Best Bassists Ever

List of the Top 10 Bassists. Add your bassist here.... Don't agree with the list? Vote for an existing item you think should be ranked higher or if you are a logged in, add a new item for others to vote on or create your own version of this list.

The Top Ten

1Cliff Burton (Metallica)
R.I. P
I like Zombie-man and Trujillo, but no one can ever be as good as Cliff was...

Cannot the Kingdom of Salvation Take Me Home

R.I.P.
He is easily the bast bassist in the world because he has fingers like picks! No wait... THREE PICKS! Like Kirk Hammett said.
Bass god- listen to the solo he does on 'Kill 'em All', then tell me he doesn't deserve to be here!
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2Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
I've been playing bass all of my live and I never stop learning new things of him
In my honest and personal opinion Michael 'flea' balzaray is the best bassist ever because of his technique and his style. Don't get me started about sound because what I have too say would be too long too read but short and simple flea has a sound no one can beat. He keeps the best beat and has the best slap. End of story
Unbelievable the things he can do with a bass guitar. Revolutionized the bass several time. Basically founded the slapping technique and with one of the best bands in the world now
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3Geddy Lee (Rush)
Um... Ok, this is confusing, first of all, Cliff Burton was a good bass player, but he wasn't that great, second of all, how is some weird dude named Tetsuya Ogawa above Geddy Lee? , and third of all, all the dudes above Geddy Lee, currently just have to play bass, Geddy Lee can sing, play keyboards, AND play bass
When discussing "The best 'x' of all time" lists, I think people rarely TRULY assess the bassist position in a band. The lists for best guitarist or drummer (albeit the ORDER rarely exactly the same), typically have the same names in the top 10.
But with bass guitarists, people tend to know the name of the bass guitarist of their favorite band & go with that person. THAT'S A SHAME!
"Inspirational" is one thing (& definitely should be considered), but proficiency, skill, creativeness, & style are the real indicators to examine. Not to mention the genre of music they play may or may not grant them certain "latitudes" to show off their abilities!
But when a particular musician can portray &/or excel in ALL of these... There's your winner!
EXAMPLE: Ringo Starr... Inspirational? YES! Greatest drummer? Not EVEN close! With that said... Mike Dirnt, Cliff Burton... Inspirational? NO question! Best bassist? Come on!
Now on with my list (& in no particular order with exception of the first name! Laugh out loud! ).
Geddy Lee!
John Myung
Chris Squier
Steve Harris
Les Claypool
(& for you jazz buffs... No, I did not include Stanley Clarke! )
My opinion is Geddy Lee is the best bassist ever and he deserves to have 100% instead of 4 why do people think he is not the best.
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4John Entwistle (The Who)
Come on all you kids who vote on these lists... Look for John Entwistle on Youtube. See the magic he does. There's even a video taken from a cam fixed on the neck of his guitar just to show people what's going on. The man does things with his fingers that, well, are not supposed to be possible. Love you John, rest in peace.
Entwisle is a god, and that's as plain as that. So many good bass players, still, in what he did, he has shown mastery and virtuosity beyond understanding. That guy never needed to do antics on the stage. Calm and composed at all times, he lets his fingers talk for him. God knows how many times he had to pick up the whole rhythm section in show because Keith Moon was busy doing something else than playing.

Not present on this list, but should be: Paul McCartney, a truly under-rated bass player; Tony Levin, an amazing session bassist besides playing with King Crimson, Chris Squire, who did incredible things with his Rickenbacker and showed what amazing varieties of tones you can get from that instrument. And Jaco Pastorious, from Weather Report among others. Stanley Clarke, from Return to Forever and others. Peter Hook from New Order. And yes, Myung from DT. JPJ from LedZep. But there are too many...
The absolute best. Look at the ox bass solo. If anything it should put him at number one for sure.
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5Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)
I don't even know where to start, the technique, the speed, the fact that a bass guitarist is the frontman of the greatest band in history just makes me wonder why not everyone is voting for this man of british steel. I think cliff burton gets many sympathy votes due to his early passing, but he was NOT a better bass player, he was not a better songwriter (harris has written and co-written over 90% of maidens songs)and no one has ever had a stronger passion than steve. I hope people read this comment and consider voting and listening to one of the great men of metal.
Phantom of the opera licks are simply awesome, as all have noted his speed is simply stupefying. Could be wrong but it seems as if the whole band is following the tempo that he's laying down. Absolutely fantastic
Cliff was only decent. Steve Harris has co- written 120 songs out of the 150 Maiden songs and out of them 57 of them are solely written by Harris.
Steve Harris IS Iron Maiden. Cliff Burton was never Metallica.
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6Georg Listing (Tokio Hotel)
Georg ich liebe dich!
I'm a fan of Spain and for me you are the best bass of the world.
i love the music and I made music too. Kiss for you and for gustav, bill, and tom.
we are the best!
He's too underrated, but Georg is actually a very talented bassist.
George is a beautiful man, is the best, is a excellent person and He plays the drums and piano as a angel! I LOVE GEORGE! THE BEST...
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7Les Claypool (Primus)
JOHNNY CHRIST BEING BETTER THAN LES CLAYPOOL IS THE MOST ABSURD THING I'VE EVER HEARD! IT'S UNACCEPTABLE!
You can't tell me that a man who plays a 25 freat 6 string fretless bass, and TAPS most of it WHILE SINGING at such a rate most other bassists can't compete with, isn't number one
Even Metallica, after newstead quit admitted he was better then anyone they had ever seen while he auditioned for them. He wasnt given the job because he was "too good"

Les Claypool all the way
Hands down the most talented bassist to ever pick up an instrument, Entwistle is his closest competition...
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8John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin)
Should in Top 5. Backbone of greatest rock band of all time. Totally understated and overlooked.
Should in top 10.
Many bass player influenced by him,
flea, geddy lee, and many more..
If every bassist on this list voted for the best then John Paul Jones and James Jamerson would be taking the cake.
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9Tetsuya Ogawa (L'arc en ciel)
Tetsu is the most awesome bassist,

He is skilled, the most skilled,

There's no one who dares stand before him,

Yes, Finnaly, a site that realize the true godlike genius skil of TETSU

He is bass, his skin are made of bass, his brain are made from bass, his heart are definitely BASS

But..
SHAME ON YOU

NO JOHN MYUNG, BILLY SHEEHAN, VICTOR WOOTEN ON THE TOP 10?

SHAME!
SHAME ON YOU ALL!

Osiris

He plays full of skill and harmony. he is a bass monster that can play a counter melody bass. he is the best bassist that I ever know. he is a god of bass, can anyone beat him now? I guess not.
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10Paul McCartney (The Beatles)
it is arguable whether Paul McCartney is the best Bass player ever. What is beyond dispute is the fact he is the Greatest of all time. Who else can claim
i) To have been around (And still gigging at the highest level) for five decades
ii) Will go down in musical history as one of the greatest composers of all time. Up there with Beethoven, Chopin, Brian Wilson, Lloyd weber et al
i) Has probably made more money than the rest put together.
iv) Has been knighted 'Sir Paul McCartney' by the Queen for services to music
v) Has met and entertained Kings, Queens, Presidents, Mandela etc (And impromptu free gigs at his local pub in England)
vi) His music will still be around in 100, or 1000 years time
vii) Is the most recognized, worldwide of any on this, or any other musical list you care to come up with. Before you argue with this, get a list of names or photographs of your top 10, 20, or 100 of top bassists and show them to the first random 10 people you meet. Check the response.
vi) In addition to this, and some memorable, original, melodic bass lines, he has inspired more people to take up bass than anyone (Including me)
Jimi Hendrix called Paul his favorite bassist of all time. More finger dexterity than any of the names mentioned here. Just listen to his performance in "Something"
McCartney is one of the most influential and innovative bass players of all time. Practically all of the others listed here are directly or indirectly influenced by McCartney's clever bass lines. His sense of melody really gave the bass lines their own soul and completely changed the songs. His sense of timing created some really classic riffs. Listen to "I Want You (She's so Heavy), "Only a Northern Song", "Something", "Rain", etc... Awesome stuff. He proved that Bass lines don't have to be an afterthought and follow the base chords.

Some of these others above Macca are silly. I like Green Day, but come on. Dirnt is no McCartney. And James Jamerson at #58? That pretty much invalidates this list.
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The Contenders

11Mike Dirnt (Green Day)
LONGVIEW bass line how the hell is Mike not at position #1 he is freaking awesome!
Mike drint the best we love him but I am surprised to see him in position 11
He is supposed be in number 1 please vote for him
Green day is known for the bassist longview, warning, and in american eulogy he sings great... Best bassist ever.
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12Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
Geezer Slaps That Bass Like A Madman He Should Be #1

OzzyVanHalen

Butler is the greatest bassist of all-time. Listen to Sabbath's Heaven and Hell album if you want to hear how a bass is supposed to sound.

hardrockfanatic

God This People Need Some Knowledge. Butler is the greatest bassist of all-time. This is Geezer we are talking about should be 1. This is Geezer we are talking about should be 1. This is Geezer we are talking about should be 1
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13Mike Starr (Alice In Chains)
Mike was one of the kindest people in the world. He was the most distinguished and talented bassists of the 90's and his impact upon Grunge as well as Hard Rock will always be his legacy!
The Best Bass player in the world... May his sweet soul rest in peace...
Amazingly talented bassist. The music world, and his fans miss him always. Rest in peace.
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14Johnny Christ (Avenged Sevenfold)
If Johnny Christ is not moved up souly for his impeccable slap bass performance in the multiple bass solos in the song Afterlife then I will be very disappointed not to mention the millions of other great bass lines he has played like Beast and the Harlot Bat Country and Save Me. He is if not the very best a very close 2nd on the list of best bass players period. From his great jazz metal fusion playing style to his iconic stage performances he his the full package if every band's perfect bass player. He is an inspiration for metal bassists everywhere and even far after his time his name will be remembered.
Save Me, Almost Easy, Nightmare. Enough said, for he's no 3. Number 1 Cliff Burton no 2 Flea.
A7x have amazing songs, but without the bass sound from johnny the songs are incomplete. GO A7X best band ever all the members are amazing musicians.
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15Jaco Pastorius
25? Green Day at 11? I guess that's what happens when anybody can vote :/ Jaco is and extremely well bass player and incredibly unique style
Jaco would be first if people understood that jaco was the influence for every single bassist on this page
Jaco is hands-down the number one most influential, he brought the electric bass out of the box and put it in the forefront. Teen Town and Portrait of Tracy are prime examples of how bass can take over and be the leader if need be. He did for bass what Bach did for all of music: he figured the darn thing out and brought it further than anyone else has. He had incredible amounts of talent, and used 100% of it, all the time. Victor Wooten is without doubt the most innovative bass player, and most likely the best living bassist. Victor started playing bass when he was 3 or 4 years old, so he has that skill literally built into his brain. I would say Steven Bailey is up there too, along with Sheehan, Clarke, and Geddy. Also, someone needs to keep an eye on Jaco's son Felix, he might be a force to be reckoned with in the future...
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16Chris Wolstenholme (Muse)
Mikey way is a good bassist, from one of my fave bands, My Chemical Romance is in my top 3 bands, but hysteria, the groove, futurism, hyper music... The list goes on. Muse is in my top 1

mattbellamyisagod1234

Just listen, to Futurism, Hysteria, The Groove, etc, and you'll KNOW, why Chris has to be in the top ten.
He always tries his very hardest to get the bass line sounding the BEST it can, and the songs wouldn't be the same without it!
There's no one that writes bass-lines like he does, from really complicated to really simple, using a withe range of effects to get unique sounds and always making sure a song does not feel empty
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17Reita (the Gazette)
Come on reita just come through to the top and be the best Japanese bassist first and then best bassist of the world!
The best bassist in the world?
Yes.
It's Reita alright.
You'll regret for not voting him.
So click that "VOTE"
He's one of the best there is out there. He in a band that is very dear to me. His abilities are outstanding. There's no doubt that he's one of the best out there ^-^
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18Duff McKagan (Guns N' Roses)
My favorite bassists but not the top, a lot of it is his band, but he's still awesome, go on youtube and type in slash solo, click on the one on him live in Tokyo and it starts off with a duff awesome bass solo them to a bass line
Maybe the perfect bass tune.. Not the best technical level but definitely he has an awesome sense of bass playing and generally melody.. One of the main factors of the guns n' roses commercial and not even succes... If he's not the best bass player he's for sure one of the best bass line composer.. A bass line can't be noticed often from a not musician, duff is one of the bassists that have achieved the attention of all kind listeners with his special tone and his melodies.. You can recognise him.. In first place he's a musician and then a player
ohhhhhhh. c mon duff should be in the top 5. in his songs you can actually hear the bass. hottest bassist by the way ;)
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19Roger Waters (Pink Floyd)
Him, john entwistle and john paul jones should be on the top 5 with cliff burton!

abbytoledo1293

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

pauler94

Roger waters made some of the most memorable bass lines ever. So in that case he is better than john paul jones, but not as good as john entwistle. He just sounds better on bass than anyone else because he digs into your soul. Just listen to Money, Time, Childhood's End, Comfortably Numb, Another Brick In the Wall, Echoes, and Let There Be More Light. He is SO unique.
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20John Deacon (Queen)
Anybody in QUEEN is the greatest because Queen is the best band in the universe!
So, naturally John Deacon is the greatest! Very under-rated, just like Queen is extremely under-rated, same as Brian May and Roger Taylor are for their respective instruments which they are totally brilliant at!
Even Freddie Mercury is not as respected and recognized as The Number One singer like he ought to be, which is a sin! Anybody w/ ears & just a bit of common sense will readily admit that Freddie has the best voice ever!
It's a shame that none of these phenomenal musicians, all geniuses in their craft, have received enough attention & admiration. Yes, they quietly make the list of the best this & that, but they are so far superior than what people give them credit for!
They're simply MAGNIFICENT... Beyond belief! If people could just get past Queen's greatest hits and delve more into their hidden gems, they would find a treasure trove of sheer ecstasy! Unlike most bands whose best stuff is what is popular, Queen is So much more than their 'hits'!
QUEEN rocks!
Grossly underrated. His bass parts are like little stories, yet he never gets in anyone's way. With all the guitars and vocals going on, he finds the spaces and plays basically what he wants. He's loose, fluid, and quite busy at times, but I can't find one song where he stepped on the vocal or guitar parts.
With John's bass the music flows and is full of hidden intricacies. You need to listen to understand the pure detail and appreciate how he supports and develops each song without diistracting from the work of the rest of Queen
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21Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck)
I can't believe that most of the people on this survey have no appreciation or understanding that Victor Wooten should be at the top--not far down on this list. The others who voted for Wooten and left comments--I thank you. The only thing I might add is that Vic is super good guy, humble and a great speaker--I had the opp to meet him at a clinic at the House of Guitars in Rochester NY. There is more to bass playing than heavy metal--Vic has command over many venues and he never stops advancing.
Most people think that just because you can play fast you're a great player. Such is many of the examples above. But to have a high understanding of a would be simple instrument as Victor Wooten is a great feat.
I'm a die hard fan of Metallica Cliff Burton is the best bassist Metallica Have had, but he never demonstrate the versatility that Victor Wooten has.
Very underrated. I respect Johnny Christ (A7 and Mark Dirnt (Green Day) as a musician but I don't really think they're better than Wooten. Wooten plays with warming melodies and awesome dexterity. He's jazz bassist, so what? He plays better than anyone on the list.
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22Tommy Joe Ratliff
He Is The Best. Don't Get Me Wrong, I Love Pete Wentz And Mikey Way, But SHOW TOMMY SOME RESPECT. The Man Is Already A Legend, He Should Be WAY Higher Than This. At Least 12. (Should Be Higher Than That Though. ) Even If Lower He Should Be what WAY WAY Higher Than Gene Simmons. That's Crap. I Love John Deacon And Both Cliff And Robert Are Great, But I Still Love Tommy The Most.
Tommy brought bass playing closer to me. He has a special way to play bass and it's fascinating me every time I see him playing bass (or now guitar) and headbang to it - simply special. That man deserves to be heard and seen.
Undoubtedly Tommy Joe the best bass player in the world! I realized it when the tour Adam Lambert took my mind completely)
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23Toshiya (Dir en grey)
Everyone should learn from this man. Reita of the Gazette is great too but Toshiya is amazing. he has such a unique style and the whole of dir en grey just keep getting better
The best bassist in the list, even though, I would say Jun Onose, from Luna Sea, would beat everyone in the list. So yeah, J is missing
Toshiya is just wonderful!... His playing is awesome... He is the best bassist to ever walk on earth... And to crown it all he's from the best band in the world DIR EN GREY... Why is Cliff Burton 1st?... Why does Metallica get 1st preference all the time?... Toshiya is the best... He beats everyone in this list
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24John Ro Myung (Dream Theather)
Technically PERFECT! He's the best, no doubt about it... I'm surprised they put him in 23rd position. Why is metal always be number one?
It's surprising why the LORD of technical bass playing has a really low vote. He deserves to be on the TOP! Guys we need to open up our ears and listen to every note he nails.
Not every bassist actually firmly nails their notes right at this speed. Listen up peeps
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25David Ellefson (Megadeth)
HAS ANYONE HEARD THE BASS INTRO TO PEACE SELLS! Epic bassist, epic band
Put him up, man!
His solos live are the best!
Please listen to Symphony of Destruction, Trust, Peace sells, Hangar 18.
What the hell he should be at least in top 5 bass guitarists
I am sure you will change your opinion by listening to the song peace sells... But whose buying
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26Justin Chancellor (Tool)
Lol justin at #30... I have always listened to the detail in music... two years back I heard tool for the first time. And it was really annoying at first because I was new to metal, but NOW... I don't believe that their is a single Musician or band who has worked so beautifully ever... The Bass and the drums in tool are just too much... You know when You are really really inside music like living in it... in the beats there is a silent beat that is parallel to the music and that Pattern of that music is extremely beautiful. and they have actually achieved those patterns in their music.. And Justin gets a #30

valee.akhter

Oh my God! The best, the most creative and the unique quality of rare breed of talent is standing alone at 29! I can't believe that in the lamest ever joke. There's no match TOOL and there's no match of Justin. He is the alien bassist of extra ordinary philosophy and bass grooves. HE IS THE BEST and should be there at the number one position. I do understand why is he so much behind because of the looser listeners who has no sense of music and will never be able to comprehend the logic and philosophy of TOOL.
The man is a virtuoso on his instrument and a key component of his band's sound. 25? Really? 25 This far back behind Duff McKagen? Behind Nikki Sixx?!? Don't get me wrong I love Guns N' Roses and Crue... But I think even Nikki Sixx would agree he shouldn't be ahead of Justin Chancellor. And then I look aruond here on the list... Victor Wooten... John Myung... Here? Deep in the 20's? Are any bassist actually voting on this? Or people that know what a bass guitar is? Or they just voting for the bassist of their favorite band or something?

I just don't get it.
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27Chris Squire (Yes)
If you saw Squire live in concert you would realize that he needs to be much higher up on this list. I would have to think at worst he would be in the class of the top 20 bassists, but I guess when you play in a Progressive Rock band, you cannot stack up to the likes of a P-Nut or a Mikey Way. I like Journey, but come on... Valory is no Squire.
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

Why is he down here him and he should be up with geddy lee
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28Nikki Sixx
This man is amazing ^^ multi-talented ^^ inspires people daily! His bass playing has grown phenominalally throughout his career thus far, ^^ he continues to get better ^^ better! He does so many things so well, he has worked his ass off ^^ still continues to work his ass off in multiple areas of music ^^ writing, bass playing, writing, photography, SixxSense radio, being honest about his past ^^ helping others to have a better future. Who else on this list does all of that ^^ even more!
My LOVE! Go SIXXY! THE mastermind behind the Crüe and so many other things! This man not only belongs to the best RnR band ever, but has helped thousands with his raw honesty in his books as well! I've followed the Crüe all over the USA, and will continue to do so as long as I can and as long as they are still RAWKING the WORLD! Now! If I could ONLY get a pic with my favorite ROCKSTAR EVER! Bucket list #1!
On top of his work as an amazing bassist, he's also the main songwriter for Motley Crue. He is the twisted mind of the Crue and should be respected accordingly. For those that turn up their noses at "80's hair bands" please remember this. The most played song of 2008 was "Life is Beautiful" by Sixx:A. M. Now, where do you think they got part of the band's name? That would be from their hair band veteran bassist.
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29Alex Webster (Cannibal Corpse)
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
Now, get someone to try and play the bass solo in 'Addicted to Vaginal Skin'!
in this list he´s really underrated
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30Lemmy (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
What! Not even in the top 30! Lemmy should be number 4 after Cliff Burton, Steve Harris, and John Entwislte!

gibsonrock53

What's there to say! It's Lemmy! He kicks ass on bass! M/
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31Tim Commerford (Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave)

C'mon, when he plays "Wake Up" of RATM... the bass line is just mind blowing

Silverballer

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

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32Robert Trujillo (Metallica)
Robert is WAY better than most of the people on this list. In my opinion only Cliff can beat him. He is the most skilled of all of metallica's members these days, but no one seems to realize that (C'mon, Lars isn't that good at all, he just gets the job done, but everyone seems to love him). C'mon, this guy can fingerpick fight fire with fire at LIVE speed! That is something most of the guys in this list can't say. And, come on, Tokio Hotel? Seriously, thats the biggest crap out there, by far. Be smart people, and if you don't understand anything of music, get out!
He deserves to be number two. As good as he is nobody can replace Cliff Burton.

aman28

rob brought us classics he is in my mind one of the greatest bassists ever

justicerieth

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33Billy Sheehan
I honestly cannot believe he isn't #1, Talas, David lee Roth, Mr. Big, Steve Vai, he has proven his worth. he was wanted by DLR as the original drummer for van Halen, but Alex thought he "overplayed" laugh out loud Alex was scared at the thought of trying to keep up with him. ok it's a fair fight with him and Les Claypool, but it is a fight of popularity not one of skill. they are both totally awesome, I was following his career when he was put with Steve Vai to back David Lee Roth and made some of the besr RnR songs I've ever heard. (Seriously people, listen to "Eat em and Smile) The concert was not to be believed and his solos both studio and live are so clean and at that speed is not easy. #1 and #2 Billy Sheehan and Les Claypool, they switchout but one is always in one position or the other, same with Steve Harris and Geddy Lee at #3 and #4, I'll give props to Jaco but I just wasnt into that music but the man was great, but face it, if the bassist isn't doing his job as bassist and filling the gap between guitar and drums to complete the song they aren't very good. Some on this list do too little, some do too much, the 4 I mentioned are the foundation of GREAT bassists.
Why is he not top ten? Compare his solos to anyone else and he will beat anybody.
This list is crazy. He should at least be in the top 5. Looks like bands that are popular even though have good but not virtuoso bass players (guns roses, Kiss, Cheap trick, Journey, etc. ) seemed to be listed high based off of people just liking those bands. Billy along with John Ro Myung, Mark King and stanley clarke deserve to all be pushed up to the top ten. Also I didn't see him on the list bu Stu Hamm also should be on the top of
This list. Don't believe me? Do some youtube searches of some of these guys in action and you will no doubt change you mind.
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34P-nut (311)

Excellent. As mentioned before... extremely underrated.

"Coda" gets me every time. His slap bass fill in "Come Original" is downright sick as well. "What Was I Thinking, " and "Don't Dwell" intros are dope; I could go on. Underrated.

P-Nut has the all around technique.

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35Timothy Kelleher

Tim's awed the 30 Seconds To Mars fans since he joined as their touring bassist. He's super talented and more people should also check out his own band My Darling Murder - they are going places!

Tim is an amazing person, very devoted to what he does, deeply in love with music and watching him on stage is like a dream come true. He and his bass quitar one is!

Tim is my lovely bassist! He's a great man too! So like to watch at the concerts how he play and sing with Jared Aw!

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36Jason Newsted (Metallica)
Remember his spooky performance in fade to black 1991 in moscow can't forge that
and he also knows how to make one heck of a show
I like his she is different the other bass player for me she the best bass player I've ever seen before no more... God bless jason newsted..
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37Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones)
WHY 42? HE WAS THE BASSIST OF THE ROLLING STONES FOR 30 YEARS PLAYED 14 OF THE SONGS THAT WERE IN ROLING STONES 500 GREATEST SONGS OF ALL TIME FOR EXAMPLE HE DID GREAT BASS PLAYING ON STAGE WITH HIS BANDMATES ANYONE HTAT doesn't RANK BILL WYMAN AT NO.10 AT LEAST IS A HYPOCRITE AND THAS ALL.
I have played bass for 40 years and I am OK but I can tell you Bill Wyman is far and above 90% of the people on this list. ---This man is pushing 80 and he still rocks out on the road most nights!
Bill Wymaann should be in the top 10 he was a member of the rolling stones, the greatest rock n roll band of all time, listen to Hang Fire and after this talk your opinion about this great bassist.
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38Paul Gray (Slipknot)
Listen to Bitchslap by Slipknot. Epic bass in that

DawnB865

R.I. P Paul
The Pig would still be grinding maggots with his Ibanez PGB1L if he was alive. No one's forgotten the metal band that marks itself as one of the greatest. Paul Gray was also awarded for one of the best services to the Metal music industry. He's responsible for the boom behind those powerful, cut-throat songs. Get real, bitches. Admit it, you'd rather grow up with Slipknot than a milk bottle.
Paul was a very underrated bassist, just look at any of their heavy stuff and you can see why he should make the top 40 at least!

ballaboi17

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39Andy Rourke (The Smiths)

Seriously the most underrated bassist ever. Whoever says they're a Smiths fan without appreciating Andy Rourke isn't truly a Smiths fan. Andy Rourke is so good, but hardly ever gets any credit for making The Smiths as amazing as they are.

Definitely one of the most underrated bassists in all of music. I've often heard that the drums and bass playing in The Smiths is poor and only Marr is worth anything, completely and utterly untrue.

Note that I voted with my heart and not my head, James Jamerson should be much, much higher, top five really. Andy Rourke in the top 30, for sure.

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

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40Tom 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.

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

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

 More comments about Tom Araya (Slayer)

41Ross Valory

Ross uses simple fluid bass lines that really carry the harmony of all of Journey's timeless songs. I love the way his tone on all on most of there tracks as well. Very solid player!

I think ross is one of the best bass player... He's awesome. The sound of his bass lines Are not the common... He makes many techniques that give their sound on bass much power! Is simply one of the best

42Reginald Fieldy Arvizu (Korn)
seriously? only 32nd? WTH is wrong with you people?! and to think that he little brat from tokyo hotel is in the top10? I just can't believe it. fieldy is amazing and the passion that he puts in playing bass is just epic
Fieldy should be in the top three if not the best. My top 5 are 1. Fieldy (Korn), 2. Paul Gray (Slipknot), 3. Shavo Odajian (System of a Down), 4. Sam Rivers (Limp Bizkit), 5. Justin Chancellor (Tool)
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
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43James Jamerson (Funk Brothers)
Yep... The (arguably) best bass player ever and the INDISPUTABLE most influential one is stuck at 55 while somebody from something called "Avenged Sevenfold" is cracking the top 20. Jamerson just about invented R&B bass... He played on more number one hits than ANY OTHER PERSON IN HISTORY (except for possibly Benny Benjamin... But I doubt that because Papa Zita died in '69). And yes, Babbitt (RIP) deserves some love here too (as does Duck Dunn... Also RIP). Vic, Marcus, Flea, Bootsy, Chucky Rainey, Willy Weeks, and probably even that guy from Green Day all bow the knee to the almighty Igor, Diego Diegerson (whether they admit that or not). All I can say is that this voting block is a media-savvy generation that likes what it likes (fast, technically amazing virtuosity) but simply doesn't know the history behind the bass guitar. Jamerson was like a modern day Thespis (the first actor to step from the chorus in ancient Greece) and ALL of us will forever stand in his shadow.
A shame he is no higher, but it appears your audience must be too young to appreciate performers from the 60s-70s. Jamerson's bass side kick at Motown, Bob Babbitt, should be in the top 100 and he's not listed at all. Another shame. Bob's solo in Scorpio in the late 60s was ahead of its time & long considered the best rock bass solo ever.
James Jamerson was the most melodic and innovated musician I've heard. I had the priviledge of meeting one of his sons and all of his cousins in Charleston, SC in Sept. '03 (incidentally my wife's first husband was Jamerson's 1st cousin so I got to go to my idol's childhood home). Should be listed way above #54, preferably #1 for he invented melody on the electric bass. Tna'Y2K1
 More comments about James Jamerson (Funk Brothers)

44Krist Novoselic (Nirvana)
Awesome bassist! Should be at least in the top ten!

Miguel31

He's Krist... Obviously. Listen to sliver, and the whole In Utero album it's fantastic!
Krist Novaselic does not ever get the credit that is due to him - he is a GREAT bassist and absolutely deserves to be in the top 10 (if not top 5) as he said his role was "to serve the song" and boy did he! Just listen to the intro for Lounge Act - not too many bands open up a song with a short bass guitar solo, but Krist and Nirvana were unlike any other... God Bless KN!
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45Eero Heinonen (The Rasmus)

Eero ansaitsee ensiksi epäilemättä... on paras!

he's so great and also good person...

Nancy

He's so great! he should be in the top ten at less, omg I can belive he is in the 31 he deserves the first place Eero I love you! and I love The Rasmus

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46Mark Hoppus (Blink-182)
Mark's bass lines are creative and original. His style of playing is very raw, which makes him the kind of bassist that can be respected because of the fact that he plays like its from the heart, not from a dollar sign in his eyes. On stage, he likes to jump around while playing, which is both amusing and entertaining. And, despite the fact that he uses a jazz bass guitar he still shreds as a rock bassist.
Few people realize just how revolutionary Hoppus's style is. Nobody composes like he does. I would argue that the intro to "Carousel" is the greatest bass solo ever written. The speed at which he plays at live shows is incredible. He often carries songs with two-string chords, which is almost unheard of. Say what you will about him being a sell-out and a popstar, but there is no denying his abilities.
Mark Hoppus can play alongside all these other guys, he just keeps it simple in his music. As he stated in an interview: "when it comes to the music we play, I feel that simpler is better. Why is Hoppus below the Tokio Hotel guy? Hell, for that matter: why in God's name is the Tokio Hotel guy at number three?! Hoppus should be higher.
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47Jack Bruce (Cream)
The Greatest! Should be #1. He was innovative, particularly when paired with Clapton their 3 piece banded sounded like 4 or 5 pieces. He was one of the few rock bassists playing "lead bass" at the time, borrowing from jazz greats. He should be closely followed by McCartney and Squire!
The bass playing.. the voice.. his body of solo and guest work.. the troubador-like intimacy of his live shows.. his always-alert interview remarks.. A man among boys.
he is the number one. Jack plays the best bass I ever heard.
Listen: I'm so glad, Crossroads, and other Cream-Songs
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48Heath (X Japan)

He's good.. Watch their videos and notice how his bass sound, very skilled and awesome..

While I think Taiji is a much better bassist, Heath does have his own flair in the mix. Just my thoughts, though I may be a bi bias.

Heath - San is great bassist with an awesome style. His solos are amazing and not only, that he is a great bassist, also he's a fantastic singer. For me Heath - San is one of the best bass - player in the world. He's really the best to replace Taiji - San and I'm very glad, that he's with X now but also hope, to hear some more solo - works from him.

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49Mani (The Stone Roses)

Are you lot on bubbles? Mani is one of the best bassists of our generation man! All you 4string thumpers should be ashamed. Up Mani, Up the Roses. City til I die! Matt 77p-bassxx

50Dave Pheonix Farrell (Linkin Park)
Not even top 100, come on he is an amazing bass player and is way better than anyone on this list.

lukestheman4

He's the best, none can hera him play because of chester's screaming. He should be in the top ten
He's terrific
have you ever heard waiting for the end?
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51Ryan Martinie (Mudvayne)
How in the world is Shavo sitting at 30 and Ryan Martini at 42. That's pathetic! Yet again, another poll becomes a popularity contest. Shavo couldn't change Ryan's strings, much less be a considered a better bass player. I like System, but Shavo is a mediocre bass player at best. I've never struggled for even a minute to play one of his bass lines for a cover in my band and when they play live, his timing is awful. Ryan, on the other hand, is a beast live and it's an achievement to be able to play his basslines.
Seriously, Ryan is most definitely number one, turn on any Mudvayne song (ANY! ) and listen to the bass. It blows minds. I've been playing bass for about 12 years now and I still find it difficult to nail some of his lines. Only other bassists I'd even consider being better then him are Les Claypool and Fieldy and that's a pretty big stretch even to consider them.
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

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52Adam Clayton (U2)
Seriously, whether or not you are a U2 fan, listen to their early material. Adam had zero experience with the bass. And look what he came up with. Riffs such as New Year's Day, the entire Achtung Baby record, Wire, Seconds, and The Ocean just to name a few. His early bass playing is what forced The Edge to think outside of the box and come up with impossibly clever riffs and chord progressions. The Edge has even admitted to it!
Please he is the best he should be at the top of this list and he is the best of all you should hear obe of U2 songs his bass is like the the soul of those songs and with the edge larry mullen and bono are like fire on stage
The SWEETEST Bassist player that we've ever heard. Especially in Bullet the Blue Sky and our favorite With or Without You. Viki Moors-Barry Vanspauwen Belgium
 More comments about Adam Clayton (U2)

53Marco Hietala (Nightwish)

Marco Hietala is the most amazing bass player and singer I ever heard, so I don't understand why is he here, cause I can say he's better than for example Georg from TH...

54Mikey Way (My Chemical Romance)
Mikey Way is the best bassist ever! Best bass players go 2 the best Bands... If you don't get it it's My Chemical Romance.. Best Band EVER!
Mikey is definitely one of the best bass players in the world. One of my inspirations to pick up a bass actually. He should be rated higher!
Woo go Mikey! Best bassist in the world for the best band in the world! Everyone vote him up for Mikey's sake he needs a confidence boost! He's got such a sexy speaking voice he should use it more often!
Proud Member Of the MCRmy Xxx
 More comments about Mikey Way (My Chemical Romance)

55Gene Simmons (Kiss)
He's an awesome bass player. He sings. He's a prolific song writer. And he plays guitar, as we know he's written some songs on the bass and some on guitar. And even if he doesn't win this non scientific poll as the best bass player, he is unquestionably one of the most influential bass players.
Gene rocks! An amazing showman dedicated to entertaining his fans... I can't believe he's this far down the list.
why is one of the greatest bassists ever to live
this far down?
Gene is a unique character and an imense bass player!
Despite his fire breathing, blood spitting and flying,
I don't think I ever heard him make a mistake!
totally underated!
 More comments about Gene Simmons (Kiss)

56Paul Simonon (The Clash)

Listen to the bass parts of London Calling and SISOSIG and you'll c y he is so great

Paul Simonon - great bass lines at London Calling, Police and Thieves, The Magnificent Seven.

57Sam Rivers (Limp Bizkit)

Sam is way better than Dave Farrell. It's unfortunate nobody gives him the credit he deserves just because a lot of people hate Limp Bizkit.

Why everybody hates them? Sam in one of the greatest bassist of all time

arpanhmr

sam is the best I don't now why he is 84 on this list he should be in the top 10.
Just because everybody hates fred that does not mean that he should be hated to he is defenetly the best

 More comments about Sam Rivers (Limp Bizkit)

58Matt Freeman (Rancid)
If this was actually judged on ability then Freeman would be way higher up, but unfortunately he has even been outvoted by Mikey Way who's been voted up by the fan girls not because he was good but purely because he's in My Chemical Romance. Well, used to be at least, good riddance. I'm not saying that Matt is the best bassist ever but his ability to write pure gold on the bass and his work in even Operation Ivy has been severely overlooked. Also, what's this about flea having good technique? Have you seen that guy play, his ability is reasonable but damn does he have poor slap technique.
This is unacceptable! He IS the BEST BASSIST EVER. I don't understand this rating. He should be Number 1! He has to get voted up. I love rancid. I haven't ever heard anyone as good as matt ever. And probably never will. He is so crazy I have to sit down when he solos. I still can't believe Burton is #1. Ya he is good but Matt is way better.
Matt's music is really good. Rancid is my favourite band
. . few people know him thats why freeman is at 36. . I bet if people would hear his songs he'll be at the top.
 More comments about Matt Freeman (Rancid)

59Shavo Odajian (System of a down)
My Top 5:
1. Shavo Odajian (System of a down)
2. Cliff Burton (Metallica)
3. Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu (Korn)
4. Ryan Martinie (Mudvayne)
5. Paul Gray (Slipknot)
Excuse me, but why is he at 28 while that dude from Tokio Hotel is at 3? Shavo's a whole lot better. And he's got a kick-ass beard. System is without a doubt, the best!
Come on. Listen to some SOAD. I've never seen any guy playing bass with a plectrum. He plays slowly to
give a space to Daron's guitar. He
is music video director, occasionally he can sing too. This guy is awesome man! Listen to the small solo at the starting
of "psycho"

arpanhmr

 More comments about Shavo Odajian (System of a down)

60John Campbell (Lamb of God)

61Jeordie White A.K.A Twiggy Ramirez (Marilyn Manson, NIN, A Perfect Circle, and Goon Moon)

He is the best bassist ever but bing rank 88 is not enough for this man. He's being a vocal in Goon Moon is awesome. Also he's a girl when he wears a girl clothes. But I think this is popularity contest.

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

 More comments about Jeordie White A.K.A Twiggy Ramirez (Marilyn Manson, NIN, A Perfect Circle, and Goon Moon)

62Larry Graham (Sly & The Family Stone + Graham Central Station)
79! That's disgraceful! He invented slap bass! He practically invented modern-day bass playing! Half the people on this list wouldn't be here if it wasn't for this guy! Graham Central Station is the greatest bass album ever! This guy is the second-best bassist ever after Entwistle!
If this funk legend never picked up the bass, I doubt it would still have a roll in modern music. WHAT HAS METALLICA DONE FOR BASS GUITAR?!?!?

mikeford

This is the man who invented the style, without Larry Graham, there would not be slap bass playing!
 More comments about Larry Graham (Sly & The Family Stone + Graham Central Station)

63Cliff Williams (AC/DC)

I say he is good bassist, but when he playing on ACDC, he will get some problems, because acdc playing basic rhytm blues, so he will playing steadly, but I say when we playing it, it feels easy, but when you being a cliff and try to make a song with basic rhytm blues, I am sure, you will shut up your big mouth, cliff is not a greates but he must in top 20

Seeing as it's blues, he really does just kill it when he's on stage. Also he always looks like he's enjoyyiyng himself when he's onstage.

he's an awesome bass player!, in my opinion his rhythm is really awesome!

 More comments about Cliff Williams (AC/DC)

64Dee 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!
 More comments about Dee Dee Ramone

65Sid Vicious

Many people don't really know this but before Sid was a junkie he could play alright. He was and will always be the king of punk

In the little that Sid did play, he was a natural while still constantly practicing... What a sad end.

66Brad Walst
One of the most underrated bass players of the 21st century.

67Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick)

This man plays with so much rhythm. Remember music is about what sounds best not who can play the fastest or craziest

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

I love the way he plays a 12-string. Nobody can do it like TP.

 More comments about Tom Petersson (Cheap Trick)

68Gary Thain

69Bootsy Collins
Bootsy definitely needs to be higher up, the guy pretty much influenced every funk bassist after him.
James Brown, enough said.
This guy should be top ten at least. Don't vote if you don't know. What a popularity contest I mean really Metallica?
 More comments about Bootsy Collins

70Noel Redding (The Jimi Hendrix Experience)
wow, no one added this guy. being the original bassist for the greatest guitar player to ever walk this earth, he wasn't recognized. he's one of the greatest

pauler94

Definitely top 5 ever. Without his bass jimmy wouldn't've been able to fly to all direction his geniality wished, and yet, being part of whole. Redding gave hendix's experience a marvelous ton of CLASS and psicodelity.
Noel, was the bass player for the Experience, Mitch (Mitchell), was the drummer and Jimi (Hendrix), was the guitarist, singer and writer.
That's it!, good, bad. Or in-different, that still is it!
 More comments about Noel Redding (The Jimi Hendrix Experience)

71John Cooper (Skillet)

72Glenn Hughes

73Marcus Miller
simply the greatest bassist in these moment playing, with a lot of groove to give to the others bassist!
A mester!
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
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.
 More comments about Marcus Miller

74D'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!

75Saga (Alice Nine)
He always giving a fan service like molest and licking his bass in a sexy way... His rhythm is perfectly absorb with the music... A genius composer. Can play a 5 string bass. He is the SEXIEST BASSIST EVER...
High skill, unique rhythm, fast learning.. He create the music, create the melody, create the love
His skill as a bassist is one of the best I've ever heard. His talent as a composer is top notch.
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76Roger Glover
Come on man! Maybe not the best, but way back here! His unique style and killer bass riffs that put bassists like paul mcartney to shame! The leads in Highway Star are some of the best i have seen
Oh maan get up glover
In my opinion the best bassist in the best band (Deep Purple) of his generation

77Phoenix Farrell

Yup.. he's supoosed to be in the top tens... just listern to In pieces.. mesmerizing song! Simply awesome!

Phoenix is good!
Must have been in top 10..
Never mind.. Many great artists are there!

Every Bassist rock! Even him!

Have You Ever Seen Phoenix Performing Live? No? Well YOU SHOULD! Phoenix is just transcendence on bass. He is the Best Bassist in My opinion, Well, Second Best Actually, Falling just short of Sting.

 More comments about Phoenix Farrell

78Michael Anthony (Van Halen)
A great bassist. WHY IS HE ONLY 181!? He deserves to be at least in Top 50, have you listened to Panama's bass line? IT'S AWESOME!

arturbelbeloliver

Its Pathetic That No One Has Said Michael Anthony Yet!

Not Only Is Mike A Good Bass Player But He is also a great performer and background vocalist

Mike Anthony is a hell of a guy, I went to high school with him. But, come on, Eddie played the bass on most of the songs. Gimme a break.

79Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy)
Pete is the bassist with the best style yeah...!
Fall Out Boy Rocks...!
Not the huge bassline solo kinda guy but he is a good bassist and an even better lyricist
Say what you want about Fall Out Boy, but you have to be a bassist yourself to recognize how cool their basslines are. Quick to pick up and fun to play. Pete's quite the lyricist, too.
 More comments about Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy)

80Sting

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

I think Sting is the best bassist ever

 More comments about Sting

81Martín Méndez (Opeth)

82Oteil Burbridge (Allman Bros, Aquarium Rescue Unit)
Oteil is one of the top two greatest, current bassists. Victor Wooten says he's the best. His work with Aquarium Rescue Unit is way ridiculous! I'd invite anyone on the list to try and do what he does on some of those songs and in some of those jams. Free form Jazz isn't for everyone taste-wise, but that is extremely complicated stuff. What's more, his lines compliment everything he plays on. Like any good bassist he definitely knows his place in a group. He can do some ridiculous things during a bass solo, but during a verse you might not notice him at all because he knows just what to play to support the overall melody. Favorite bassist by far!
Obviously people know too little about Oteil and the Brothers. He is so good on so many levels. Definitely a top 25 guy.

mdp1970

Listen to the bass guitar on Tedeschi Trucks Band's live album and then you'll know why he should be up at the top.

83Steve Fossen (Heart)

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

wildchild

84Dougie Poynter (McFly)
No Dougie Poynter in the best bassists section? How is that possible?! Come on! Dougie is one of the most talented bassist for his age and has an incredible presence on stage, jumping all the time, like a restless little monkey! He's cute, that's true, but he's still an amazing performer/bassist!
Brilliant bassist and he should definitely be in the top ten. People underestimate him because he is from McFly, but they don't realize how talented each member is and they deserve more credit

sarsh0603

He's so underrated because he's from Mcfly but for his age he's pretty kick arse. Aslo if you took most of these bassists back to his age and did this top ten he'd be nearer the top.
 More comments about Dougie Poynter (McFly)

85Dennis Dunaway

The original bass player for rock legend Alice Cooper, this guy was responsible for many of the early Alice songs. Listen to his bass playing on stuff like "Dead Babies." He also put out a solo album a few years ago called "Bones From the Yard" that is unbelievable. Very underrated.

A very inventive player and true original. His bass parts are songs within the song.

Founding member of the Hall of Fame inducted Alice Cooper group. Innovative bass lines and a stage presence that vaulted the rock bass player out of the shadows to the front of the stage. His writing contributions (incl. Black Juju) provided much of the eerie lyrical and musical underpinnings of the development of the Alice Cooper character and sardonic stage show. Along with drummer Neal Smith, Dennis Dunaway is one half of the most dramatic "bottom end" in rock... Ever.

 More comments about Dennis Dunaway

86Jeff 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.

I bass line on Jeremy is amazing! Suprised he's not higher on the list!

 More comments about Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam)

87Trevor Bolder

88Hugh McDonald (Bon Jovi)

He may not be an offical replacemet of Alec John Such, but he is still amazing. The work on Livin' On a Prayer and Keep the Faith... Pure Genius

89Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Ozzfest, Dio)

Rudy is amazing and should be at the top of the list!

Look up some of his bass solos in "Godzilla" from 2007-present with Blue Oyster Cult

this man is a freakin amazaming bassists, he was a great friend of randy rhoads and was taughte by that genuis of music and with rudys own experiance and his teachings of others he achieved amazingness, he should be in the top 50,

90Willie Weeks

91Arni Arnason (The Vaccines)

92Rex Brown
rex brown at the bottom of thid list, he, dimebag, vinnie paul, and phil invented groove metal. whenever he plays that bass, you get this feel, that kind of thrash sound but at the same time you hear this kind of groove feel to.
probably the best underrated bassist ever. I think he should be in top 5. pantera
c'mon just lisen to the bass behind all the great dime solos
 More comments about Rex Brown

93Taiji Sawada
He is way way better than Heath... Why is Heath on the higher rank than Taiji? Taiji is the master of tapping, slapping, picking, everything about bass. This is a shame
He's very talented, yet still un-credited.

Kodou1496

Just simply wanna say "what the fxxk".
 More comments about Taiji Sawada

94Frank Bello (Anthrax)

just listen to the riffs he pulls off in Caught In A Mosh. nuff said

he's awesome. got his own fender signature model and everything

95Eric Wilson (Sublime)

"The B-lines that Eric dropped reminded me of hip hop. " -Believe, The Dirty Heads. Recognized by new age artists over a decade after Bradley's death. Eric is so smooth in his delivery, and his riffs are top-notch. One of the most recognizable and respected bassists of his time.

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

Best bassist ever for proof listen to the song STP. Its crazy. Sublime is the best band in the world

 More comments about Eric Wilson (Sublime)

96Greg Lake

You just have to hear 21st century Schizoid Man

97NIck 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

98Mike Gordon (Phish)
He has carved out his own bass sound. He playsa intelligent lines as opposed to thea jumble of repetitive garbage some players higher on the list have produced. Turn off your radio and listen to a real band.
Uh yeah keep it moving on up the list. You guys are nuts if you think he deserves to be this far down the list. Cactus drops bombs. And PHIL LESH IS TOO FAR DOWN THE LIST AS WELL.
Unique, nerdy amazing approach
 More comments about Mike Gordon (Phish)

99Peter Hook (New Order)
Never before hearing joy division/ new order songs have I thought that a song could revolve around the bass line alone. The bass lines are so prominent, strong, they simply compliment each song.
Awesome Bassist. Deserves To Be Higher, Joy Division Wouldn't Have Had The Same Sound Without Him.
one of the most recognizable sounds in rock
 More comments about Peter Hook (New Order)

100Steve DiGiorgio

One of the only metal bassists who plays a fretless bass, he has a great unique tone and feel to his play you never hear in metal usually, plus he's fast and technical and does everything from thrash metal to jazz fushion. Godly!

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      List Info

      This list was created 6 years, 196 days ago and has been voted on over 57,000 times. This top ten list contains 348 items, has been remixed 37 times and has been blogged about 17 times.

      Updated Wednesday, June 19, 2013

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      Newest: Musicians Who Died In the Saddest Ways