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.

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

» more comments on "Cliff Burton (Metallica)"

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

» more comments on "Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers)"

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-

» more comments on "Tetsuya Ogawa (L’arc en ciel)"

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!”

» more comments on "Toshiya (Dir en grey)"

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”

» more comments on "P-nut (311)"

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

» more comments on "Les Claypool (Primus)"

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

» more comments on "Geddy Lee (Rush)"

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

» more comments on "John Entwistle (The Who)"

9) Ross Valory

“ROSS IS SIMPLY THE BEST!
”

iMAGIO

“One of the best! I love Ross!”

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.
”

» more comments on "Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)"

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Choices Not In The Top Ten

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

» more comments on "Johnny Christ (Avenged Sevenfold)"

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

» more comments on "John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin)"

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.”

» more comments on "Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck)"

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

» more comments on "Paul McCartney (The Beatles)"

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.”

» more comments on "Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick)"

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... ,”

» more comments on "Chris Wolstenholme (Muse)"

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.”

» more comments on "Jaco Pastorius"

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”

» more comments on "John Ro Myung (Dream Theather)"

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"”

» more comments on "Mike Dirnt (Green Day)"

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.”

» more comments on "Justin Chancellor (Tool)"

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.”

» more comments on "Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses)"

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”

» more comments on "Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu (Korn)"

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”

» more comments on "Mark Hoppus (Blink-182)"

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"”

» more comments on "John Deacon (Queen)"

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.”

» more comments on "Shavo Odajian (System of a down)"

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!”

» more comments on "Matt Freeman (Rancid)"

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”

» more comments on "Tim Commerford (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave)"

28) Steve Fossen (Heart)

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

wildchild

“Great bass Man.”

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”

» more comments on "Ryan Martinie (Mudvayne)"

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”

» more comments on "Krist Novoselic (Nirvana)"

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”

» more comments on "Roger Waters (Pink Floyd)"

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?!”

» more comments on "Sting"

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!”

» more comments on "Chris Squire (Yes)"

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!!!”

» more comments on "Robert Trujillo (Metallica)"

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.
”

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”

» more comments on "Jack Bruce (Cream)"

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”

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!”

» more comments on "Marcus Miller"

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

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!”

» more comments on "Marwan Harajli (Thoughtless Rock)"

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”

» more comments on "Gene Simmons (Kiss)"

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
”

» more comments on "Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)"

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.”

» more comments on "Nikki Sixx"

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”

» more comments on "Billy Sheehan"

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.”

» more comments on "Adam Clayton (U2)"

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.. :)”

» more comments on "Mikey Way (My Chemical Romance)"

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”

48) Reita (the Gazette)

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

michiru

49) Alex Webster (Cannibal Corpse)

“in this list heÂ´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”

» more comments on "Alex Webster (Cannibal Corpse)"

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.”

» more comments on "Jason Newsted (Metallica)"

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!”

» more comments on "Tony Levin"

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.”

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”

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”

» more comments on "Tom Araya (Slayer)"

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”

» more comments on "Eric Wilson (Sublime)"

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”

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

58) Heath (X Japan)

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”

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”

» more comments on "Cliff Williams (AC/DC)"

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!”

» more comments on "Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead)"

62) Peter Hook (New Order)

“one of the most recognizable sounds in rock”

“Created an unique melodic style.”

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!”

» more comments on "Mark King"

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

» more comments on "Steve "Fuzz" Kmak"

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..”

66) Taiji Sawada

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

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!”

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.”

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....”

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.”

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.”

72) Phil Lynott

“One of the best.”

“best ever he rules so amazing yngwie on bass”

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”

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.”

75) Dirk Lance (Incubus)

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

EnterSandman_1990

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.”

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”

» more comments on "Nathan Hughes"

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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”

83) Adam Yauch aka MCA (Beastie Boys)

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

84) Phoenix Farrell

“Best bass player in the world, from Linkin Park.”

Fuzkeren

“phoenix is the best... lp rules...”

85) Cone McCaslin (Sum 41)

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!”

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.”

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!”

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”

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.”

91) Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones)

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

landonlee

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".”

» more comments on "Sam Rivers (Limp Bizkit)"

93) Tony Kanal

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!”

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.”

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.”

97) Billy Cox (Band of Gypsys)

“Straight power”

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.”

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.”

100) Louis Johnson

“Fastest Slapper Ever!”

xerona

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

“Awesome funk master”

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