Best Bassists Ever

List of the Top 10 Bassists. Add your bassist here.... Don't agree with the list? Place your vote or if you are a logged in, add a new item for others to vote on.

Vote for Cliff Burton (Metallica) 1) Cliff Burton (Metallica)

mann no one beats him
’best’:p

otaijam01

Cliff Burton is the greatest bassist of all time and I’m counting Gene Simmons and Geezer Butler here so this is not a light comment he is my influence as an up and coming bass player and will continue to be even if I don’t make it he will always be the best to me and any fool who thinks he’s not can look him up on youtube any videos showing him will be more than enough proof

PlaymateBass

Cliff rocks, Metallica rocks.

Music


Vote for Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) 2) Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

cliff burton may be good, but he isnt as genius as flea is. i find fleas riffs very unique, but without loosing the catchy-ness.

darkmatterbanana

flea is amazing what else can I say.

giant66

cliff is god but flea is just amazing

FunkyMonk


Vote for Tetsuya Ogawa (L’arc en ciel) 3) Tetsuya Ogawa (L’arc en ciel)

just watch his fingers dancing on the bass. and you’ll know he truly is the best.

salatinada

the first thing that made me know that the intro of a song played on radio is Laruku’s song, is from his bass.
not many bassist (or at least I’ve never met one but him) who can play that kind of bass.
though I don’t know about music, but his bass is ssoo amazing! very unique and... God I just can’t describe it!
i love your masterplaying on bass Tetsu-sama! *kiss! *

micopunk

Tetsu is without a doubt the best bassist I’ve ever seen.
He’s renown for using all kinds of technics flawlessly.
His speed and accuracy surely remains unmatched.

-Din-


Vote for Toshiya (Dir en grey) 4) Toshiya (Dir en grey)

Toshiya is indeed one of the best bassists ever. Just listen to Cage... Or Yokan... Then you’ll know it’s true.

Amazing bassist, with much emotion poured into each song performed. Fantastic!

Toshiya-sama... My idol!
Inspired me to pick up the bass and rock it like him.

Best bassist!


Vote for P-nut (311) 5) P-nut (311)

p-nut is underated... he’s got that slap down and dirty!

rjhusmc

wow he is so underrated. He can lay down some slap bass, a hard rock riff, a relaxing reggae bass line, and he brings the FUNK! P-Nut can lay down any style, just like 311 can lay down any style of music. Pick up any 311 song and you’ll see why

P-nut is a master of the bass and has made his own slap technique and a master bass palm muter. You people don’t know or understand the instrument. i meen whoever voted for tetsuya owgawa and mike dirnt truly dont know anything about the bass, p-nut definatley has to be in the top ten


Vote for Les Claypool (Primus) 6) Les Claypool (Primus)

simply one of the best ever Should be higher on the list

Lilbob93

primus is one of the weirdest bands in history, but les claypool is awesome

pauler94

Les Claypool’s Bass Strap...
It’s where it’s at.

signature


Vote for Geddy Lee (Rush) 7) Geddy Lee (Rush)

Geddy belongs in the top 5.

asphaltpilot

Singing while playing bass and keyboard. Pure talent!

dyton

I have to say his bass part in yz was amazing he should be number 1

billiamcurtis


Vote for John Entwistle (The Who) 8) John Entwistle (The Who)

Argueably the greatest bassist of all time. Without Entwistle the very notion of a lead bassist wouldn’t exist. Sure Jaco may have more chops and Les may be more innovative, but they wouldn’t exist without Entwistle.

Entwistle number one damnit!

john entwistle is like cliff burton but a lower scale. my generation by the who... it showcases each member’s talent. entwistle can shred with a bass, not easy to find folks

pauler94

why are all of these legendary and talented bassists behind P-nut poser? Entwistle sjould be in the top 5

slacker121234


Vote for Ross Valory 9) Ross Valory

ROSS IS SIMPLY THE BEST!

iMAGIO

One of the best! I love Ross!


Vote for Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) 10) Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)

Finally a list where the godly legacy is at least almost where it deserves to be. listen to the heartfelt powerful lyrics of any of their albums. thats all steve harris right there. he and bruce dickenson are the heart of iron maiden. listen too the galloping bass lines in the trooper and wrathchild. he was there through all of iron maidens ups and downs until, god forbid, he is unable to play or iron maiden collapses under its own greatness. STEVE HARRIS FOR PRESIDENT!

cyraxbot

Awesome bassist, founder and long time member of Iron Maiden

dfalc1

the way he plays just leaves you open mouthed... watch his right hand and you’ll be shocked. But it’s not just that... he’s the mind, soul heart and beat of one of the
the best heavy metal bands ever, if not THE BEST. And in my opinion is one of the best composers of light music ever.


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Choices Not In The Top Ten

Vote for Johnny Christ (Avenged Sevenfold) 11) Johnny Christ (Avenged Sevenfold)

His playing is amazing for a bass guitarist. He is another amazing musician in A7X

Synester

absolutely amazing shame he won’t sing :P

muckie

Johnny Is Just Another Amazing Musician In Avenged Sevenfold

Dglass23

Vote for John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) 12) John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin)

Brilliant and extremely influential bassist. Ask Flea who his hero is and he always mentions John Paul Jones. All around superb musician and arranger, and most importantly one quarter of rocks greatest band.

bobby

the lemon song is also an amazing bass performance

rockman

awesome bassist i love the little solo things in good times bad times

rockman

Vote for Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck) 13) Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck)

he knows a lot of techniques,he is the best

bassist0007

really awesome bassist you have to listen to some of his solos and stuff

rockman

I just love his style and how he just makes it look so easy.

Vote for Paul McCartney (The Beatles) 14) Paul McCartney (The Beatles)

Incredible!

beatle608

before McCartney, the so called "bassist" was just another person in a band. and it’s interesting to know that he wasn’t the bassist in the beginning...

pauler94

Legend.

Ekolod

Vote for Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick) 15) Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick)

Not only can he play, but he can also sing too. He’s a better player and is always in command of his instrument.

FearlessFreep

Nobody can play a 12-string like he can.

FearlessFreep

Great player.

Vote for Chris Wolstenholme (Muse) 16) Chris Wolstenholme (Muse)

An unsung hero of the bass guitar.
he is a pioneer of bass special effects and help make one of the greatest bands ever to play.

GlonnAtronnAdonnAdict

He’s very talented and self- taught

llamalove

I rEaLLy LikE chris if him pLaying baSS

i think him bEst Of the bEst baSSisT... ,

Vote for Jaco Pastorius 17) Jaco Pastorius

jaco the best

Jaco opened up the world of fretless. He flippin made his bass into a fretless. His basslines are incredible. He is Easily the best bassist of all time.

jaco pastorius was one of the (if not the most influential bassists in history). must say this whole list is depressing, and it just shows how ignorant people are of real bass playing. Flea and Cliff burton most certainly are not the best bassist to ever live. Jaco was not only a god in his time for his playing but also continues to influence bassists from ever genre of music and he did it playing a fretless bass, which is much harder to master than fretted. Jaco should be number 1 without question.

Vote for John Ro Myung (Dream Theather) 18) John Ro Myung (Dream Theather)

he is using a 6 string bass.. jaco is using a 4 string fretless bass.. so who do you think is better..

jikyboytz

Myung’s precision, speed and skill are a constant reminder of how bassist perfection should look, while not falling into a cliched musicallity like so many other bassisits on this list

he have skill

Vote for Mike Dirnt (Green Day) 19) Mike Dirnt (Green Day)

Flea’s style doesn’t cut it for me. He plays that awful funky style of Mark King of Level 42. Mike plays the kind of sounds I want to hear! and with flair!

hm, green day, ok band, only 2 albums deserve the title "excellent" dookie and nimrods. mike dirnt’s bass solos on dookie, especially longview and welcome to paradise, are excellent

pauler94

mike is one of the best he should be number 2 after "flea"

Vote for Justin Chancellor (Tool) 20) Justin Chancellor (Tool)

Justin is simply the today’s visionary bass genius :
- Convoluted Rhythm (in 5/4, 5/16)
- Atypical Tune
- Enormous Sound

A Monster!

this man knows the way of the bass guitar, but u guys dont know what your talking about. schism isn’t a very difficult bass line(what really matters is composition) and its not something to get you on a top 20 list. chancellor definitely deserves it tho

Though this list isn’t nearly as accurate, I gotta say it’s really good. But Justin should definitely be in the top 10, because not only he is very skilled at playing it... he’s a visual artist, which isn’t exactly a skill you work for, it’s got to be in you, just like every band member of TOOL.

Vote for Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses) 21) Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses)

Duff McKagan is associated with guns and Roses! He rocks in or out of the band he should be higher on the list.

zbedd1

He should be in the top ten simply because of ’Paradise city’ and with all the other GNR songs, that pretty much puts him at #1

Shadowdood

Sweet child of mine would not have been what it is without his contribution.

Vote for Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu (Korn) 22) Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu (Korn)

when I hear fieldy playing the bass its like I hear a "drums voise" too... he is amazing...

robokost

he is amazing.

xrrrockstar

man this poll is trash does no one see real talent? feildy kicks the crap out of most of the bassists on the ten list if you ask me feildy is top 5 and idk why no one realizes how bad flea is (hes really not great) another top 5 is Peter Iwers from In Flames... not much heard of but he’s good... I wont lie either the guy from that christian rock band Third Day is top 2 material

Vote for Mark Hoppus (Blink-182) 23) Mark Hoppus (Blink-182)

he’s now with plus44 and I now blink182 will get back together but this guy has a good voice and awesome bass playing

gibsonsg

He just should be much higher up.

mark shud defiinitely b higher
he has a pink bass!!!
hes also a really good singer and sometimes he jumps around while he plays

Vote for John Deacon (Queen) 24) John Deacon (Queen)

listhin to the bass solo on another one bites the dust and liar he’s the best!

Queenmaniac

he’s the most underrated man in music and that is no exaggeration
best bassist no doubt!

How is Deacon 32nd? inventor of the Deacy amp, player of great baselines such as in Another One Bites the Dust, and Under Pressure. Great song writer too with songs such as "You’re My Best Friend, I Want to Break Free"

Vote for Shavo Odajian (System of a down) 25) Shavo Odajian (System of a down)

he is the all time greatest bass player of all time! why not top 10?

he is my idol and will always be

He’s excellent. At least top 20.

Vote for Matt Freeman (Rancid) 26) Matt Freeman (Rancid)

Matt is the best bassist ever and he should be in the top ten and you should listen to Maxwell Murders where he does the best bass solo ever

He is an amazing bassist and he does a sweet job in the song Maxwell Murders.

White Knuckle Ride and Maxwell murder! Probably some of the greatest bass lines EVER!

Vote for Tim Commerford (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave) 27) Tim Commerford (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave)

He is THE best bass on the planet. Why he isn’t #1 I don’t know

Battlegun

Time should definitly be in top ten because he’s in on of the few bands that you can actually hear the bass on, and it a seriously kickin’ bass line

Shadowdood

Like what has already been said he is an amazing bassist that you can actually hear, if you don’t think so listen to anything by them like bulls on parade, one of the most powerful bass lines I have ever heard

Vote for Steve Fossen (Heart) 28) Steve Fossen (Heart)

Listen to "Crazy on You"... great bass line!

wildchild

Great bass Man.

Vote for Ryan Martinie (Mudvayne) 29) Ryan Martinie (Mudvayne)

dude u just cant beat ryan martinie, awsum bassist, great riffs, not to mention hes incredibly fast, listen to this guy live, probably one of the best there is, the only 2 guys i will say are a little better are les claypool and victor wooten, other than that im done

Vayne90

he owns all other bassists. No questions asked...

pert

Definitely the best

Vote for Krist Novoselic (Nirvana) 30) Krist Novoselic (Nirvana)

he rocks!

straightedge1992

38 my ass, he is the best bassist ever, he should be number 1

Krist Novoselic should be much higher he is awesome

Vote for Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) 31) Roger Waters (Pink Floyd)

Money, another brick in the wall, comfortably numb. yeah, roger waters is one of the best, under cliff burton and steve harris

pauler94

Listen to Another Brick in a wall, oh yeah, that’s what I am talking about.

Baltimore1993

oh, roger, roger, roger, roger..
i love roger waters (not on that way) ! he is the best of the best..actually, one of the best..but still amazing

Vote for Sting 32) Sting

Sting rules!!! IMHO - he`s number one!!! Love him and his unique play technic.

ColdNordicGirl

He is the best.The best and the most talented bassist of all time

October

yeah, sting is great..he knows his job very well..isn’t he just amazing?!

Vote for Chris Squire (Yes) 33) Chris Squire (Yes)

So underrated!
His solos are great (the fish, silent wings) but don’t just listen to those - his basslines and incredible use of scales in songs like heart of the sunrise and roundabout are amazing!

mowglisegus614

Chris Squire changed the meaning of the bass using it as a lead/melodic instrument. His virtuous master of it and his novel style is essential in the music of Yes. Just try to imagine Roundabout without Squire’s bass!

easily one of (if not the) best bassists of all time!

Vote for Robert Trujillo (Metallica) 34) Robert Trujillo (Metallica)

WTF, Pete Wentz shouldn’t even be on this list! Trujillo should be way higher!
m/etallica!

man I know he is the new metallica bassist but he was the bomb with The Infectious Groves those dudes kicked ass and trujill o was frikin emence

Four words: YOU ARE THE MAN!!!

Vote for Mike Inez 35) Mike Inez

Mike Inez has incredible style. He makes it look so simple. I love him!

solitude

LOVE HIM!

One of THE BEST heavy metal bass players out there, Mike has played in Alice in Chains, Black Label Society and the Blizzard of Ozz (Ozzy Osbourne’s backing band).
He’s played with Slash’s Snakepit and recorded with them for their 1995 release "It’s Five o Clock Somewhere". He also joined the revamped backing band for Heart, and toured with them in 2002 and 2003.

Vote for Jack Bruce (Cream) 36) Jack Bruce (Cream)

How is Jack Bruce not in the top 10? He is, after all, Cream of the crop!

This is a shame. He’s a musical genius! He has a great voice and can play like a good! Just listen to "Badge", "I Feel Free" or "Crossroads". And he made the Gibson EB-3 (now named the Gibson SG Bass) famous. Thank you, Jack Bruce! I can not think about a better bassist! You’re nr. 1!

he has been playing longer than all the bassists here so I think he should

Vote for Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy) 37) Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy)

Good bassist and HOT!

vanishing_truth

not the huge bassline solo kinda guy but he is a good bassist and an even better lyricistt

totally awsome

Vote for Marcus Miller 38) Marcus Miller

Wow, I cannot believe Marcus was not in the top 10. He is simply amazing... what is more amazing I have yet to see Stanley Clark listed. There are many great bassist listed... that are part of a band... listed here, but as far as being a creative musician. One who can live without another guitarist well there are many bassists not mentioned. And Stanley Clark, Jaco and Marcus are all top 10 material.

Cliff Burton No 2 and Marcus Miller and Mark King 53 & 49 come on guys WAKE UP and listen more music its a non-sense

simply the greatest bassist in these moment playing, with a lot of groove to give to the others bassist!
A mester!

Vote for Oteil Burbridge (Allman Bros, Aquarium Rescue Unit) 39) Oteil Burbridge (Allman Bros, Aquarium Rescue Unit)

Obviously people know too little about Oteil and the Brothers. He is so good on so many levels. Definitely a top 25 guy.

mdp1970

Vote for Marwan Harajli (Thoughtless Rock) 40) Marwan Harajli (Thoughtless Rock)

Marwan is a great bassist and deserves to be in the top 10

this guy can BASS

I was at his gig at Fatrikle’s 2 weekends ago, and he actually signed my breasts! This Harajli is an amazing bassist, magical!

Vote for Gene Simmons (Kiss) 41) Gene Simmons (Kiss)

maybe he wasn’t the best, but I would like to see another bassist put on a show like he and KISS did back in the day.

his tongue is..long? i’m afraid of him, but i love kiss and him

totally under rated he is an ******* but one hell of a bass player

ROCK N ROLL ALL NIGHT AND PARTY EVERY DAY

Vote for Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath) 42) Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)

open your ears people TOP THREE. listen

Definately should be #2, under cliff.

he’s not my best but im shoked he’s not in the top ten

Vote for Nikki Sixx 43) Nikki Sixx

Nikki Sixx is not only one kickass bassist but one hell of a lyricist.

Nikki Sixx inspires me in so many ways.

Dude, he has to be higher than this. This guy is my greatest inspiration, and I find out he’s like 58 on the list. Give the man respect.

Vote for Billy Sheehan 44) Billy Sheehan

HE IS THE WORLDS BEST BASSIST

b456stfjoemr

yah if any one know of billy sheehans work they’d all know he is the best, ( but if cliff burton lived longer he would beet sheehan in a bass-off aha)

guitar festival 2004. youtube with steve vai. billy’s #1

Vote for Adam Clayton (U2) 45) Adam Clayton (U2)

i dont know why people insult him, hes the second biggest part of U2, next to bono of course.

Moezzilla

He By far is the best bassist ever

WHAT. Listen to this man play. He’s the Best.

Vote for Mikey Way (My Chemical Romance) 46) Mikey Way (My Chemical Romance)

Wonderful bassist!

maroontourniquet

cute, amazing and the best bassist ever behind john deacon; he is like her bro gerard way both are amazing GO MCR! 1

He is so adorable and plays like some legend.. :)

Vote for Bootsy Collins 47) Bootsy Collins

Boosty definitely needs to be higher up, the guy pretty much influenced every funk bassist after him.

we need the funk!

the man practically invented funk, he should be in the top ten

Vote for Reita (the Gazette) 48) Reita (the Gazette)

woooooo this man is awesome i love him... he is the best bassist!!!

michiru

Vote for Alex Webster (Cannibal Corpse) 49) Alex Webster (Cannibal Corpse)

in this list he´s really underrated

HOW Is tom araya, the stupid of limp bizkit, and many more of this stupid list better than webster try to play any song of the tomb of the mutilated album

I myself is an bassist... and he reigns.. very difficult to play his chord lift

Vote for Jason Newsted (Metallica) 50) Jason Newsted (Metallica)

how come he isnt in top 10???

and he also knows how to make one heck of a show

This guy could not only play metal, but he could play serious grooves too.

Vote for Tony Levin 51) Tony Levin

Innovative, funky, plays fretless, fretted, and stick...

This list is pretty lame when Tony Levin is ranked way back here (behind hacks like Gene Simmons) and Jeff Berlin isn’t even on it. Good grief.

Da best!

Vote for James Jamerson (Funk Brothers) 52) James Jamerson (Funk Brothers)

disgrace to see him this low, probably the best imo.

Greatest bassline ever the Four Tops Sugar Pie Honey Bunch. Not to mention everything else.

Vote for Lemmy (Motorhead) 53) Lemmy (Motorhead)

Why the hell is Lemmy not #1, he’s an amazing bassist. Listen to the Ace of Spades and say he doesn’t belong in the top ten

Vote for Tom Araya (Slayer) 54) Tom Araya (Slayer)

He could be higher if his bass were more audible, I can’t even talk and play my bass, tom sings (yells) and plays very fast lines. Tom might not be stanley clarke, but I doubt stanley can do what tom does.

how isn’t this guy in the top ten in raining blood this guy plays the same solo as the guitar do you know how hard that is as a bassist

The only reason why Tom isn’t in the top 10 is because of his genre. There are too many people that consider themselves metal heads because they listetn to metallica, and don’t recognize a true (original) thrash metal band, and the best bassist in metal

Vote for Eric Wilson (Sublime) 55) Eric Wilson (Sublime)

one of the smoothest bass players I’ve ever heard.

Yes I would most deffinitely have to agree. He is the first bassist I was ever inspired by, he has the coolest style and most originality... I think He should be right up there at the top

deff one of the best. actually listen to the riffs in date rape. hard to even match! he should be up there

Vote for Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band) 56) Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band)

have you not heard this guy? he is amazing! a whole lot better than 40...

Guys listen to DMB,Stefan is the greatest bassist ever,he was a prodigy.Dave Matthews waited until Stefan turned 16 before he started DMB so Stefan could be the bassist.

if you listen to this guy he should be at least #5 he is amazing way better than mike drint or mikey way they can’t even compare

Vote for Stanley Clarke 57) Stanley Clarke

WTF number 43, it seems this list is going by the band, not the bassist themselves. This is like putting Jordan this low for a listing of the best basketball players, it’s crazy.

HolyCal

Vote for Heath (X Japan) 58) Heath (X Japan)

Vote for NIck Oliveri 59) NIck Oliveri

Nick’s heavy sound added a lot to Queens music. Queens arent the same without his sound and his infulence. Still an awesome band nonetheless.

Screechy Queens of the Stone age ex-bassist

Vote for Cliff Williams (AC/DC) 60) Cliff Williams (AC/DC)

not necessarily a GOOD bassist, which cliff williams is, but he’s incredible fast at bass, just listen to let there be rock

pauler94

you’ll understand if you just listen to T.N.T.

AC/DC rules and there is no way cliff is down this low in bassists i think he should at least number 13

Vote for Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead) 61) Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead)

If you did not already, go get the music and listen. Then come back and vote again...

This is the dumbest site ever for not having him in the top ten. Wake up!

The most versatile improvisational bassist since Mingus!

Vote for Peter Hook (New Order) 62) Peter Hook (New Order)

one of the most recognizable sounds in rock

Created an unique melodic style.

Vote for Mark King 63) Mark King

MK is Absolutely amazing - he should be number 1 - Flea before Mark King - Victor before MK too! Bloody insane! Mk = NO 1!!!

u guys know nothing!!! Mark king owns the Slap, Flea would say the same ! top ten is ridiculous!!

CHECK OUT LEVEL 42.."LIVE AT WEMBLEY" TREMENDOUS CONCERT DVD!

Vote for Steve "Fuzz" Kmak 64) Steve "Fuzz" Kmak

I miss Fuzz, John Moyer is ok but He won’t remplace him.

klausmeine

YEAH! Fuzz played better bass intros than John, ANY DAY! Except if it’s raining, then he kinda gets down. The man puts a spell on him, messes with his head. Musical block man, it sucks. John Moyer doesn’t even play the little opening part to Down With The Sickness like Fuzz does. He has that STUPID pick in his hands all the time!

Geddyrush

This guy is pretty awesome. Listen to Fear, Barracooda, Welcome to the Jungle, Aqualung, Cross-eyed Mary, Dani California, Around The World, The End is Here, Better Man, Even Flow, Oops, I did it Again, Tommy The Cat, Jerry Was A Racecar Driver, Highway Star, The National Anthem; of Russia, Holy Diver, My Curse, Stricken, If a Potato Had a Heart, Wasted, Wasted Wasted, Heart Shaped Box, Enter Sandman, One, King Nothing, King of The Jews, Louie Louie, Crazy Train, Iron Man, and Hold On. Okay, he only played the first song, but you don’t know he didn’t play those other songs at his house, or in a park.

Geddyrush

Vote for Stuart Hamm 65) Stuart Hamm

stu hamm man hes quality him n satch

awsome, he uses really cool techniques and he is one of the best I have heard

listen to his music he is way better than flea..

Vote for Taiji Sawada 66) Taiji Sawada

He’s very talented, yet still un-credited.

Vote for Dee Dee Ramone 67) Dee Dee Ramone

Seriously, Dee Dee might not beat these other guys in technique, but would crush them with simple conditioning. I doubt Geddy Lee has the testostrone it takes to play a Ramones show.

unclejoe1917

Fuh-fuh-fuh-fuh-fuh-fuh-fuh-fuh-funky!

All kidding aside, this guy truly represented what bass could be in the up and coming new wave and alternative movement.

I’m just a Ramones fan.
He was cool (except the "Dee Dee King" stuff).
GABBA GABBA HEY!

Vote for Larry Graham (Sly & The Family Stone + Graham Central Station) 68) Larry Graham (Sly & The Family Stone + Graham Central Station)

the man invented slap bass he has to be i the top 10 if it wasnt for this guy flea would not be up there

this guy is classic, a legend, should be at least top 10.

The Man. Watch his live version of Pow! Seeing is believing.

Vote for Abraham Laboriel 69) Abraham Laboriel

he bacame a very good bassist.. because he uses his GOD given talent not for fame but just for GOD’s Glory! GOD IS GREAT!

abe...i like how he play bass...
it’s incredible...and the geatest factor is he is one of the servants of GOD....

Vote for Matt Rubano (Taking Back Sunday) 70) Matt Rubano (Taking Back Sunday)

He is fantastic, possibly the most underrated bassist on this list, whether you like the band or not, he rocks.

Best bassist in the world.

Vote for Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam) 71) Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam)

Listen to the bass lines on Jeremy and Present Tense.

this guy is the reason i play bass if youve ever seen ’Animal’ or ’spin the black circle’ live you’ll understand.

Vote for Phil Lynott 72) Phil Lynott

One of the best.

best ever he rules so amazing yngwie on bass

Vote for David Ellefson (Megadeth) 73) David Ellefson (Megadeth)

Not the best bassist ever, but the best bassist ever to use a pick.

peace sells, skin o my teeth, trust? has any even heard these songs? metal forever!!! fallout boy sucks

Vote for John Taylor (Duran Duran) 74) John Taylor (Duran Duran)

Just think he is underrated and wanted to give him some props. Listen to early Duran Duran to appreciate him.

In terms of technique, melody, individuality and tone JT is The Man. Listen to any DD album - then try to play what you just heard.

Vote for Dirk Lance (Incubus) 75) Dirk Lance (Incubus)

he is amazing because incubus is the best ever. should be on the top

EnterSandman_1990

Vote for Bernard Edwards (Chic) 76) Bernard Edwards (Chic)

Bernard Edwards is easily the funkiest, rhythmic base player of all time, listen to any Chic track (Le Freak, I Want Your Love, Good Times). He also helped Nile Rodgers compose many of their tracks.

Vote for Nathan Hughes 77) Nathan Hughes

Nathan is a pure and unique talent the likes most have never seen before. Not only does he play like no other but he’s also a songwriter and vocalist. Check him out!

Nathan Hughes is the Best unknown Bassist and once known the Best their is

Nathan is a one man performance, just is’nt ready to go National. Find him on youtube, or at myspace

Vote for Chris Barker (Anti-Flag) 78) Chris Barker (Anti-Flag)

AMAZING! no one comes up with lines like him punk bassists kick ass and he’s a straight example!

by far one of the most creative bassist ive ever heard, every song has a catchy creative structure
# 1 in my book

An amazing bassist, he does a lot more than just hammering out eighth notes like a lot lof modern bassists do. He is what makes Anti-Flag a great band.

Vote for Carlos D (Interpol) 79) Carlos D (Interpol)

Carlos D is one of the bassists that isn’t very technical but has a great sound. I prefer listening to him than Flea / Cliff Burton any day. I get chills everytime I listen to the end of Not Even Jail.

i love interpol carlos d should definetly be waaaaayyy above fall out boy interpol’s base lines are excellent

get all their albums, wrap yourself in them, and after a while you will want to see them live. by that time you will most definitely agree he should at least be on this list somewhere.

Vote for Roger Manganelli (Less Than Jake) 80) Roger Manganelli (Less Than Jake)

Manganelli may not be in a famous band but he is the best bassist around. For any doubters go listen to "History of a Boring Town". Prepare to be impressed.

He had the best ska bass sound ever, and knew best out of anyone how to switch between slow and laid back and fast, agressive, hard lines. If anyone deserves to be in the top three, it’s this guy, Jaco, and Claypool.

this guy is awesome and has a playing style and sound like no other.

Vote for Michael Burkett aka Fat Mike 81) Michael Burkett aka Fat Mike

Whoa whoa whoa....Fat Mike aint atleast in teh top 20?

Have you kids not listened to "The Idiots are Taking Over"?

One of the biggest faces in the punk scene, the moment I listened to "Lower", I knew he was something special. Their cover of "All of Me" showcases what he’s made for.

Vote for Jeordie White A.K.A Twiggy Ramirez (Marilyn Manson, NIN, A Perfect Circle, and Goon Moon) 82) Jeordie White A.K.A Twiggy Ramirez (Marilyn Manson, NIN, A Perfect Circle, and Goon Moon)

Amazing. Obviously under-rated on this list. Guess it’s just a popularity contest.

Cant beleive hes so low he was a great bassist who was in many great bands

He is a great bassist with alot of musicl talent, he has played in many great bands and he was part of the musical genius behind Marilyn Manson and other awesome bands

Vote for Adam Yauch aka MCA (Beastie Boys) 83) Adam Yauch aka MCA (Beastie Boys)

Not only a great MC, but a great Upright fretless bass player too!

Vote for Phoenix Farrell 84) Phoenix Farrell

Best bass player in the world, from Linkin Park.

Fuzkeren

phoenix is the best... lp rules...

Vote for Cone McCaslin (Sum 41) 85) Cone McCaslin (Sum 41)

Vote for Leon Wilkeson (Lynyrd Skynyrd) 86) Leon Wilkeson (Lynyrd Skynyrd)

Amazing bassist. although Free Bird wasn’t actually recorded by him, it was recorded by Ed King.

Cant believe this guy is behind Fall Out Boy and MCR. Leon is dead and mikey way and pete wentz will still never come close in their lifetime!

When you actually pay attention to what this guy does or see a few video clips of him playing it is amazing. very smooth and innovative. FreeBird is a good example

um yea...has anyone seen him perform in Free Bird? its absolutely ridiculous. Totally Underrated!

Vote for Richard Bona 87) Richard Bona

Beautiful tone, innovative melodies. He sings and plays at the same time, and both sound amazing by themselves. An absolute artist and his facility on the bass is near inhuman

A complete artist and probably the most skillful around these days.

Vote for D’arcy Wretzky (The Smashing Pumpkins) 88) D’arcy Wretzky (The Smashing Pumpkins)

One of the best girl bassists out there. Just listen to Gish and Mellon Collie...you’ll see.

Ahhh! I looove her, I was so gonna add her if she wasn’t! yaaaay!

Vote for Andy Rourke (The Smiths) 89) Andy Rourke (The Smiths)

Most Underrated Bassist ever, listen to Queen is dead single, Barbarism begins at home, Still ill, and Headmaster ritual

One of the most underrated bassists of the 80s/ever

Vote for Rex Brown 90) Rex Brown

c’mon just lisen to the bass behind all the great dime solos

rex brown at #70? c’mon give me a break.the guy deserves to be on the top ten or not 20. dimebag and rex are the innovators of groove metal.

Vote for Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones) 91) Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones)

im ashamed of all you Rolling Stones fans..Bill diserves more credit then this

landonlee

Vote for Sam Rivers (Limp Bizkit) 92) Sam Rivers (Limp Bizkit)

he’s never ever going to get recognized just because he plays bass for limp bizkit. he’s probably the most under-rated bass player. really fast finger work.

I know him personally, he still lives in Jacksonville and owns a recording studio behind my uncles pizzaria. very cool guy

The fastest finger work without a pick no doubt. Listen to the song "The Truth".

Vote for Tony Kanal 93) Tony Kanal

Vote for Juan Alderete 94) Juan Alderete

Listen to Day of the Baphomets, then kick Pete Wentz’s butt out of this list

AMAZING...I had the privilage of seeing them in concert. It was spectacular to say the least. Listen to the bass lines in L’via L’ Vasquez or something its unbelievable!

Vote for Hunter Burgan (AFI) 95) Hunter Burgan (AFI)

Your Name Here, The Boy Who Destroyed the World, or anything else before "Sing the Sorrow" and before MTV; Hunter is all that remains of the AFI we once loved.

Vote for Sean Malone 96) Sean Malone

Just to say, if this list is the 50 greatest bassists of all time then I seriously think that people have not taken into account the huge range of musical genres, from what I have seen mainly rock and jazz bassists are predominant. If anyone has ever heard of the musical genre Technical Metal, technical music not being confined to metal but also present in classical music and even rock. A bassist in particular who should have been included in this list and frankly should have been first, is Sean Malone. He has played in various Technical metal/rock/jazz bands like Aghora, Gordian Knot and Cynic. Not only playing a fretlass bass, he also plays various other instruments like the chapman stick and keyboards. He is flexible also playing in bands ranging from Brazilian jazz to English pop, therefore having a wide knowledge of many genres of music, and incorporating many of these studied genres into his own band Gordian Knot. His bass style is unique, reflecting techniques from rock, metal but primarily jazz. He therefore deserves at least a mention in this list if not the the top position as greatest bassist ever.

Vote for Billy Cox (Band of Gypsys) 97) Billy Cox (Band of Gypsys)

Straight power

Vote for Michael Manring 98) Michael Manring

manring is the only man alive who can retune his instrument midsong. as far as i’m concerned, he’s #1.

i’ve seen him live, and he should be easily in the top 10. he’s absolutely AMAZING. he even toured with jaco. this guy brings bass to a new level.

If you don not know who he is look him up. Michael Manring puts most of these bassists to shame. He doesn’t play metal, rock, or any other popular music. He just plays music. If you have doubts please look here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ3XksTJeA8 . He plays 4 basses at once. Or look here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js93qxDlIzg . Or looke here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTyByM25AGY. The last one is long ride; he’s just playing around and having fun.

Vote for Rick Danko 99) Rick Danko

Almost never dominates a song, but just adds the perfect drive every time. Does better than anybody what the bass guitar was actually invented for. If, however, a tune is in need of some flashy play, listen to the notes pop out.

Vote for Louis Johnson 100) Louis Johnson

Fastest Slapper Ever!

xerona

lois johnson is pretty good i just listened to him hes awsome

Awesome funk master