Top 10 Female Bassists in Rock and Metal

Alejandra Villarreal

Yeah, Tal played with Jeff Beck for a while, but I still consider her more of a jazz musician. Sean is awesome, but Ale is technically better. Ale's playing on both "XXI Century Blood" and "Queen of the Murder Scene" carried and filled the void of each song.
While Pau was everyone's darling because of her earlier videos on the drums, Ale showed the world by crushing the bass line of Muse's "Hysteria" at the age of 11. Today, while a bit more toned down, she's grown into the ultimate professional musician, commanding both the stage and the respect of her peers.

Alejandra is a very talented young woman who started by watching her two sisters, Daniela and Paulina Villarreal, play. Both are extremely talented, and the simple fact that Alejandra grew up with those two examples of persistence, effort, and perseverance has shaped her into a high-level bass player.
Although Ale sees herself as a quiet girl, that speaks volumes about her character. She is more analytical and studies things without having to say much, but she demonstrates her knowledge and experience through her playing. Alejandra Villarreal is simply extraordinary.

Suzi Quatro

Susan Kay "Suzi" Quatro is an American hard rock singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and actress. She was the first female bass player to achieve major rock stardom, breaking barriers for women in rock music. Quatro gained popularity in the 1970s with chart-topping hits such as "Can the Can" and... read more

She was the first female bassist to become a major rock star in the '70s. Probably she isn't the most technical female bassist today, but I thought she deserved the #1 spot because she opened the door for many female bassists.
She's also a lead singer, and I like her raspy hard rock voice. There are lists with her songs on TTT.

The first, the one, the only!

A pioneer in rock music!

Wanda Ortiz

Plays for The Iron Maidens. Her stage name is "Steph Harris," a female version of Iron Maiden bassist and founder Steve Harris.
In 1998 and 2004, she won the Best Female Bassist award at the Rock City News Awards, and in 2003 she won the Best Bassist award at the All Access Music Magazine Awards.
If somebody can play the basslines of Steve Harris...

What can you say? She can play Steve Harris's lines flawlessly and has done it for years.

Gail Ann Dorsey

David Bowie's bassist.

Rhonda Smith

Played for Prince and Jeff Beck. She is on this list for her work with Jeff Beck, who's a rock musician (Prince is not a typical rocker).

Jo Bench

She played death metal for Bolt Thrower from 1987-2016 (30 years).

Melanie Sisneros

Also known as Steve Heiress (in The Iron Maidens) and as Mellefson (in Hangar 18, a Megadeth tribute band). So she can play the bass lines of Steve Harris and David Ellefson.

Melissa Auf der Maur

Played for Smashing Pumpkins and Hole.

Sean Yseult

White Zombie

White Zombie!

Karin Axelsson

A Swedish musician, Karin Axelsson is known as the former bassist for the metal band Sonic Syndicate. She received attention for her musical abilities and energetic stage presence, contributing to the band's albums and international tours. Axelsson was active with the band from 2004 until her departure... read more

Sonic Syndicate

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Alicia Vigil

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Becky Baldwin

I strongly recommend her work with Fury. She's also now the bassist for Mercyful Fate.

Fernanda Lira

Fernanda Lira is a Brazilian thrash metal singer and bassist. She was a founding member of the all-female band Nervosa and contributed to its global recognition. Lira left the band in 2020 and co-founded the death metal band Crypta, where she currently performs.

She is such a beast. I had the privilege to meet her before a show once. Super sweet lady and absolutely incredible on stage. Don't miss Crypta if you get a chance to see them.

Brazilian thrash metal girl - bassist and lead singer for Nervosa.

Misa (Band-Maid)

Such a badass bass player. Misa is a virtuous player with such rare talent these days. Her skills are second to none.

Misa should be the runaway winner here. Truly amazing with how she can play.

Love her bass solos and guitar/bass battles.

Ida Evileye

Crucified Barbara

Tal Wilkenfeld

One of the best bass players I've seen playing with Jeff Beck. Her work since is also very inspiring!

She is truly outstanding.

Tal is just a bass badass.

D'arcy Wretzky

She plays bass on the best albums of Smashing Pumpkins: Mellon Collie, Siamese Dream, Gish, and Adore.

Very good bassist.

Emma Anzai

Amazing bassist. Plays with a lot of feeling.

Super talented!

Tina Weymouth

Much more important musically and historically than Suzi Quatro, though she did appear slightly later in time. Her "cred" was ironclad. How could she not be the first name when this list was created?

Victoria De Angelis

Great work with Måneskin.

Fami (Lovebites)

Fami has really shown herself to be a worthy replacement in Lovebites.