Pierre Côté was born in Sorel (Quebec). Around the age of six, he was encouraged by his parents to try his hand at the living room organ. He did for a couple of years until his sister's Beatles records caught his ear. At once he felt compelled to pick up his dad's guitar and proceeded to learn most of the chords in a cheap guitar method. Over the course of the next few years, he managed to digest a healthy chunk of the Beatles ' catalogue, learning most of George Harrisson's solos in the process. While in highschool, he formed "Apple" (…) a band dedicated to the fab four. The band continued on for several years, evolving into a progressive, hard-rock, top-40, kitchen sink type outfit. Over this period, Pierre's influences ranged from Jimmy Page, Peter Frampton, Steve Howe, Eric Clapton to the Allman Brothers and Dire Straits.

In the early 80's, Pierre jumped on the heavy metal bandwagon for a while and upon hearing Gino Vanelli, was quickly drawn to fusion and jazz. After a couple years spent listening to guitarists such as Larry Carlton, Django Reinhardt, Joe Pass and Wes Montgomery, he enrolled at McGill university where he would spend the next four years. During his stay he played in several bands, including the world renown "McGill Jazz Band One". In 1989 he won a scholarship to attend the "jazz workshop" program at the Banff Arts Center where he studied with the likes of Kevin Eubanks, Dave Holland, Steve Coleman and Kenny Wheeler.The same year, he won a "Downbeat" magazine student award for his performance on the album "Day and Nite" by the McGill Jazz Band, featuring Dave Liebman.

During this period, Pierre's growing reputation as a versatile sideman allowed him to simultaneously work in Montreal's jazz, blues and pop scenes. Over the the next ten years he would become one of Quebec's busiest live and studio guitarists.

Around 1991, he got introduced to country and bluegrass upon working with singers Bourbon Gautier and Jim Corcoran. Initial curiosity led to keen interest as he got exposed to such players as Albert Lee, Brent Mason and Tony Rice. Through Jim he made some contacts in Nashville and Memphis, where he still occasionally works.

These days, Pierre alternates between his busy playing schedule and guitar classes at Montreal’s Marie Victorin College where he teaches since 1990. In recent years, he’s written several songs and opening themes for movies and television. He founded his « Picoson » studio in 2003 where celebrated Montreal singer Jim Corcoran recorded his «Pages blanches» album (fall 2004). He also produced «Fille de cœur», the latest album by Quebec award winning country singer Johanne Provencher. Pierre is currently working on his first solo album which will be produced by Memphis guitarist and producer Niko Lyras.