Joe Trohman is the lead guitarist of the Chicago-based band Fall Out Boy Trohman (known as "Trohmania" to his fans), was born in Hollywood, Florida to a Jewish family. He grew up in South Russell, which is east of Cleveland, Ohio, and moved to the Chicago suburb of Winnetka when he was around 12 years old. He attended Washburne Junior High and New Trier Township High School in Winnetka, Illinois.

In 2001, Trohman formed the band Fall Out Boyalong with close friend Pete Wentz Each had been active in the Chicago hardcore scene and Joe had filled in as a bassist during a tour with Wentz' band Arma Angelus. Joe met Patrick Stumpin a Borders Bookstore; he convinced Stump to audition for the band. Two other Chicago musicians were recruited: T.J. Raccine on guitar and a drummer simply credited as Mike. These two only participated for a very short time. The subsequent addition of drummer Andy Hurleycompleted the current quartet.

Trohman has used many guitars during his career. In the Take This To Your Grave days, he was seen using the Gibson Les Paul guitars. During From Under The Cork Tree, Joe mainly used Fender Telecasters. Currently, he is endorsed by Washburn Guitars, with whom he has his own custom shop models. He used the guitars often on the "Black Clouds and Underdogs" Tour. As seen during the American Grammys, Joe used guitars based on the Infinity On High graphics. His main guitar now is his own Washburn signature model.

Joe Trohman made an appearance on MTV's Cribs along with his younger brother, Sam Trohman. He has also appeared (with the other members of Fall Out Boy on the Tonight Show, the Late Show with David Letterman, the Jimmy KimmelShow, One Tree Hill, Late night with Conan O'Brien, Saturday Night Live, the Today Show, the Ellen Degeneres Show, Regis and Kelly, MTV's Total Request Live and Punk'd.