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Best Bassists Of All Time: 50 Legendary Bass Players You Need To Know
Four mighty strings and 50 mighty players: the best bassists are the ones who carve out signature sounds and play as many memorable licks as the guitarists.
Four mighty strings, 50 mighty players. Common wisdom holds that the bass player is the “quiet one” in a band, playing essential parts of a song that you don’t necessarily notice. Not the case with the 50 best bassists, who have carved out signature sounds and played as many memorable licks as the guitarists.
Think we’ve missed anyone off our list of the best bassists of all time? Let us know in the comments section.
While you’re reading, listen to our Best Bass Guitar Riffs playlist here.
Best Bassists Of All Time: 50 Legendary Bass Players You Need To Know
50: Mel Schacher (Grand Funk Railroad)
A bit of revisionist history here: Grand Funk Railroad’s bassist, Mel Schacher, was the best musician in the band, bringing the gonzoid style of Detroit punk into the mainstream. And he was loud; throwing the bass upfront like few before him.
49: Esperanza Spalding
Esperanza Spalding is arguably one of the few modern players who are doing the most to advance the art of bass. Having recently stepped out of the purely jazz world, the singer and bassist has moved into a pop/R&B/progressive realm of her own devising.
48: Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth)
Kim Gordon’s instantly recognisable bass sound was one of three equal reasons why Sonic Youth were among the most innovative guitar bands of the past few decades. She was equally good at grounding the improvisations or jumping right into the fray.
47: Gail Ann Dorsey
A Philly native who moved to London to play jazz, Gail Ann Dorsey played with a roomful of luminaries including Gang Of Four and Tears for Fears, and recorded an eclectic solo album that employed Eric Clapton and Nathan East as sidemen – all of which qualified her to become the longest continuously serving bassist (or musician, period) that David Bowie ever worked with.
46: Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones)
The quietest of the quiet ones, Bill Wyman may invariably be the last guy you noticed in The Rolling Stones, but he was the consummate bassist in the sense that he knew how to support the songs without getting in the way. Without any flashy solos, Wyman remains underrated, but listen to any of the basslines on “Shattered” or “19th Nervous Breakdown” and tell us you haven’t missed him since he’s been gone.
45: Nick Lowe
Albeit better known as a producer (Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, The Damned), Nick Lowe not only knew how to play fluid, often sophisticated basslines in a hard-driving rock’n’roll context but mastered how to make them sound killer on record. Look no further than his solo work or with pub rock supergroups Brinsley Schwarz, Rockpile, and Little Village. Pity that he’s largely gone off bass playing in recent years.
44: Mike Watt (The Minutemen, fIREHOSE)
As co-founder of the Minutemen, Mike Watt and his cohorts made unabashed virtuosity fun again; and through his group fIREHOSE and solo years, he’s remained one of the most adventurous musicians in the indie world. Not to mention a few years kicking butt in the reunited Stooges.
43: Dave Pegg (Fairport Convention, Jethro Tull)
Both of the bands Dave Pegg played in, Fairport Convention and Jethro Tull, have a history of remarkable bassists (take a bow, Ashley Hutchings and the late Glenn Cornick). But Pegg stands out for his dexterity, his swing, and his ability to ignore any folk/rock boundaries.
42: Joey Spampinato (NRBQ)
As the longtime bassist for the cult bar band NRBQ (New Rhythm And Blues Quartet), Joey Spampinato embodied that band’s tight-but-loose mindset. Usually playing fretless bass, he had no problem putting walking jazz basslines into their most straightforward pop tunes and rocking out during their jazz numbers. After catching Keith Richards’ ear, Spampinato played on his solo record Talk Is Cheap.
41: Kasim Sulton (Todd Rundgren, The Blackhearts)
Kasim Sulton jumped in the deep end by joining Todd Rundgren’s prog-rock band Utopia, during their most complex phase, at age 20. Since then he’s been Meat Loaf’s musical director and been both black and blue – with long stints in Joan Jett’s Blackhearts, Hall & Oates, and the Blue Öyster Cult. Sulton is also one of arena rock’s MVPs and a damn fine singer too.
40: Bruce Thomas (The Attractions)
No slight meant on his solid Imposters replacement Davey Farragher, but Bruce Thomas’ work on all the Elvis Costello & The Attractions albums was the stuff of greatness – fluid, inventive, and always in three or four places at once. Too bad he could do everything but get along with the frontman.
39: Phil Lesh (Grateful Dead)
Grateful Dead’s bassist always sounded exactly like what he was: an experimental composer who learned bass for the sake of joining a rock band. Not for him to be the grounding force in the jams. Lesh was more a catapult to parts further out.
38: Mike Rutherford (Genesis)
Perpetually overlooked in Genesis, Mike Rutherford came up with one of prog’s most lyrical basslines on “In That Quiet Earth,” from their Wind & Wuthering album. He was no slouch in the poppier tracks, either; try the beautiful (and extremely difficult) fretless part in “No Reply At All.”
37: Tina Weymouth (Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club)
Along with her husband and eternal rhythm partner, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth was largely responsible for infusing new wave with the concept of groove as one of the founding members of Talking Heads. As one of the greatest female bassists of all time – and just bassists, period – Weymouth is part of the reason why a group of cerebral East Coast art students were able to do the definitive cover version of an Al Green’s “Take Me To The River.”
36: Cliff Burton (Metallica)
Cliff Burton followed the same template as Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler, but as a speed-metal bassist, he found it absolutely necessary to play a whole lot more. His too-short time in Metallica gave all future metal bassists (including his Metallica replacement, Jason Newsted) plenty to borrow from.
35: Meshell Ndegeocello
Her early 90s work set a soul revival in motion and established Meshell Ndegeocello as one of those mavericks who could build something original and modern out of the soul tradition, incorporating pop, rap, and reggae into the mix. She also happened to play with the Stones in her spare time.
34: Sting
As if a precursor to his wide-ranging solo output, Sting blended funk, punk, and reggae in The Police. While he largely moved on from playing bass during his solo career, you can always revisit the atmospheric bassline to “Walking On The Moon,” which remains a thing of beauty.
33: Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck And The Flecktones)
With Bela Fleck and as a solo artist, Victor Wooten took the Stanley Clarke style of fusion bass and upped the ante with more sounds, more flash and a more daring style. Often described as the second coming of Jaco Pastorius, the Grammy-winning bass master is rightly beloved by the jam-band crowd and beyond.
32: Percy Heath (The Modern Jazz Quartet, Miles Davis)
The Modern Jazz Quartet’s founding bassist, Percy Health also recorded seminal work with Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. When you think of the stately, elegant sound of an acoustic jazz bass, it’s his work you probably have in mind.
31: Jerry Scheff
You could call him the man who played with Elvis Presley and Jim Morrison when they both went Vegas (he’s the mainstay of the TCB band and the studio bassist on LA Woman), but don’t forget that Jerry Scheff is also a session player extraordinaire, having appeared on record with Dylan, Costello, The Monkees, and many others.
30: Chuck Rainey
This oft-recorded master was the answer to 70s Los Angeles’ prayers. A cool jazz musician who could play rock if it was sophisticated enough, Rainey wound up doing an equal number of jazz (Eddie Harris, Quincy Jones), rock (Nile Lofgren, Dave Mason), and soul sessions, (Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin), and was largely the reason Steely Dan’s Walter Becker moved over to guitar.
29: Louis Johnson (The Brothers Johnson)
Louis “Thunder Thumbs” Johnson’s affinity for smoother R&B with jazz overtones made him Quincy Jones’ bassist of choice and his pioneering slap bass landed him on Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall and Thriller albums. He also scored a number of 70s hits with his brother George as part of The Brothers Johnson.
28: David Hood (The Swampers)
Having toured in Traffic and most recently in The Waterboys, David Hood was the mainstay of the fabled Muscle Shoals rhythm section The Swampers. A master of slinky laidback funk and one of the most open-minded musicians around, Hood’s signature groove can be heard on everything from The Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There” to Clarence Carter’s “Snatching It Back.”
27: Charlie Haden
As one of the most exploratory jazz bassists out there, Charlie Haden expanded the sonic possibilities of double bass beginning with Ornette Coleman’s landmark album The Shape Of Jazz to Come. He also had productive stays with Keith Jarrett and Pat Metheny, and played selectively on rock sessions, including the closing track “Ramshackle” on Beck’s Odelay.
26: Bernard Odum
Everybody who played bass with James Brown arguably deserves a place on any list of greatest bassists, but Bernard Odum was the bassist on two of funk’s most seminal texts, “Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag” and “Cold Sweat,” thus earning himself the title as one of the most influential bassists of his time.
25: Aston “Family Man” Barrett (Bob Marley & The Wailers)
As one of the first key players to join Bob Marley & The Wailers (and still with the group now), Aston Barrett laid the groundwork for all reggae to come. Along with his brother Carlton Barrett, who played drums for The Wailers, the duo were one of the tightest rhythm sections on record. The history of groove would be far poorer without “Trenchtown Rock.”
24: Les Claypool (Primus)
Hailing from the Geddy Lee school of thumping-bass, Les Claypool has cultivated a list of musical credits as wildly eccentric as he is. As the frontman and bassist in Primus, Claypool is responsible for bringing the groove to thrash metal and alt.rock with his infamous Rainbow bass and forming more side projects than humanly possible, most notably with Police drummer Stewart Copeland and Phish frontman Trey Anastasio for the supergroup Oysterhead.
23: Jack Casady (Jefferson Airplane)
Jack Casady’s four-decade conversation with Jorma Kaukonen in Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna has never been less than eloquent. And his one appearance with Jimi Hendrix on “Voodoo Child” answers the question, “What if Hendrix had played with a bassist who was better than just alright?”
22: Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
Geezer Butler is one of the great riff-meisters in rock, the main writer of a lot of Black Sabbath’s music, and a creator of the heavy-metal bass template: play only what’s absolutely necessary but play it like there’s no tomorrow. While others quietly supported the groove, Butler turned the bass into a blunt instrument.
21: John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin)
He was the riffmaster in Led Zeppelin, the solid grounding to Jimmy Page and Robert Plant’s wild energy, the driving force behind “Black Dog” and “Misty Mountain Hop,” and the main reason why the Page/Plant reunions, good as they were, just weren’t Zeppelin.
20: Bootsy Collins
Bootsy Collins got kicked out of James Brown’s band for being far too trippy, then became a key bass player in the P-Funk universe for pretty much the same reason. One of the greatest bassists of funk, he made “Super Bad” one of Brown’s defining hits.
19: Donald “Duck” Dunn (Booker T And The MGs)
Booker T And the MGs’ bassist may be the least flashy player on this list of the best bassists of all time. Though he was a big guy, you could barely see the Duck’s fingers move on the strings, even when he was playing with rockers like Neil Young or Eric Clapton. But he always kept it moving, and his time was always tight.
18: George Porter, Jr (The Meters)
The Meters’ founding bassist is also the most prolific member of his circle, leading countless spinoff bands and playing on notable sessions (including David Byrne’s Uh-Oh album). The landmark groove of “Cissy Strut” was just the beginning, and Porter, Jr, is one of the greatest bassists who embodies New Orleans’ slinky approach to funk.
17: Bob Babbitt
James Jamerson’s less-celebrated Motown successor deserves inclusion here. Though he began recording much earlier, Bob Babbitt really shone during Motown’s psychedelic era, where he brought some Hendrix consciousness into the later Temptations records. He also played with Hendrix – albeit posthumously, on the studio-created Crash Landing.
16: John Wetton (King Crimson, Roxy Music, Asia)
Perhaps the most versatile bass players in all of prog rock, John Wetton could do the blazing virtuosity of Larks Tongues-era King Crimson as well as the song-oriented approach of Asia. But he earns immortality for doing both at once with Roxy Music, especially on the live album Viva!.
15: Geddy Lee (Rush)
Any mid-to-late Rush track evinces how Geddy Lee could do fiendish complexity while still rocking hard enough to drive a power trio (watch him talk to uDiscover Music about his time with the band. Instrumental tracks like “YYZ” and “La Villa Strangiato” tend to have Lee’s greatest licks, but don’t forget that he was usually doing all this while playing keyboard parts with his feet.
14: Lemmy (Motörhead)
As one of the greatest bassists in hard rock, Lemmy played the bass with more attitude than anybody, with a grisly tone that defied you to think of the bass as a support instrument. Half the times you think you’re hearing lead guitar on a Motörhead record (including the intro to “Ace Of Spades”), it’s really Lemmy wailing away.
13: Charles Mingus
Charles Mingus was an innovator in jazz and one of the more adventurous bassists in any genre. Any bassist who hasn’t absorbed “Goodbye Pork Pie Hat” or “Haitian Fight Song” hasn’t explored their instrument properly.
12: Jack Bruce (Cream)
The whole idea behind Cream – a rock band consisting of three guys who could play circles around each other – wouldn’t have worked if the bassist wasn’t such a master improviser, always thinking like a lead player. Impressive as Jack Bruce’s own parts were, he also gets credit for the leads he pushed Eric Clapton to play.
11: Bill Black (Elvis Presley)
As part of Elvis’ original trio (which didn’t include drums during the Sun Records stage), Bill Black brought the essential cool of a slapback bass into 50s rock’n’roll. See the bass intro to “My Baby Left Me” as irrefutable proof. Later, he became one of the first rock bassists to lead a combo under his own name.
10: Willie Dixon
Willie Dixon is so renowned as a songwriter that his importance as one of the best bassists of all time often gets overlooked. He was key to Chess Records’ electric blues sound, playing on many of the Muddy Waters classics he wrote, not to mention the most seminal Chuck Berry tracks.
9: Ron Carter
He’s officially the most recorded bassist in jazz, with credits in early CTI fusion and modern benefits and soundtracks, but Ron Carter would still make the list of greatest bassists if he did nothing more than play in Miles Davis’ “Second Great Quintet,” where he and Tony Williams were a rhythm section for the ages.
8: Larry Graham (Sly & The Family Stone)
Larry Graham bridged the eras of funk by laying groundwork with Sly & The Family Stone then reappearing decades later as a key Prince collaborator, leading the fine band Graham Central Station in the interim. But no bassline defines funk better than that perfectly nasty one on Sly’s “Thank You (Faletting Me Be Mice Elf Again).”
7: James Jamerson (The Funk Brothers)
The funkiest of The Funk Brothers, James Jamerson put the swing into countless Motown classics before finally getting an album-sleeve credit on Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” Nobody ever did more with one note than Jamerson on “You Can’t Hurry Love.”
6: John Entwistle (The Who)
The quintessential “quiet one,” John Entwistle could also be the noisiest one when the time was right. The Who’s “My Generation” was one of those times. How many 60s bands had an iconic bass solo in the middle of their defining song?
5: Chris Squire (Yes)
Chirs Squire’s basslines in Yes were full of melodic imagination, and often the song’s main instrumental hook (see “Roundabout”). But check out his wah-wah extravaganza on the deep track “On The Silent Wings Of Freedom” for one of prog rock’s great kick-it-out moments.
4: Stanley Clarke
Stanley Clarke was a bass virtuoso with a canny sense of riffs and grooves, plus a few great tricks like that finger-strum trademark. Probably not the first bass player to record a side-long bass solo (on Return to Forever’s 1978 live album) but perhaps the first to perform one you’d want to hear twice.
3: Carol Kaye
Putting the bottom end into The Wrecking Crew, Carol Kaye played the indelible parts on “Midnight Confessions,” “River Deep – Mountain High,” The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations” and an estimated 10,000 other tracks. Female bassists stopped being pigeonholed as a novelty the minute she picked up the instrument.
2: Paul McCartney
Paul McCartney made a trademark out of the supple, lyrical bassline more than any rock player before or since, and that’s on “Paperback Writer” alone. As one of the best bassists in history, he played both lead and rhythm, and did it all ridiculously well – a trademark of everything The Beatles did.
1: Jaco Pastorius
Jaco Pastorius used every minute of the short time he had to expand the technical and dramatic possibilities of the bass, giving his various clients – Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny, and even Ian Hunter – more than they bargained for. Despite his overlooked status, Pastorius regularly introduced himself as the greatest electric bass player in the world, and we’re not going to argue.
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Ed Sizler
June 21, 2015 at 3:39 pm
You forgot Jeff Adams from “Starship Starring Mickey Thomas”!! He’s a showman and a great bass player!
Kathy Kelley
June 21, 2015 at 11:48 pm
Jack Cassidy should be there and high up, too!
paddy
June 22, 2015 at 2:22 am
So true Kathy. Jack was part of a great rhythm section in the Jefferson Airplane.
Patrick Filacchione
June 22, 2015 at 2:23 pm
Folks, Its spelled Casady. Jack Casady formerly of the Jefferson Airplane and now Hot Tuna should be in the top ten without question. BTW Jefferson Airplane had no rhythm section. See Jack Casady in action 7/18 at the Capital Theater Port Chester NY
Rox
June 22, 2015 at 8:47 pm
There’s always got to be one. one what? a rude one! .Of course we know with exception(maybe) of the first post it’s casady, but, instead of the way you HAD to put it, couldnt you do what most people do put ‘yeah Im glad to see Casady, jack Casady of… on the list.” were you upset thinking someone might think it was David cassidy’s brother? or another Cassidy by mistake?
graham
February 17, 2016 at 11:08 pm
Jack is still kickin’ it big time… check out White Rabbit @ 21:42
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5m4vzWmDuKg
stevve palmer
June 22, 2015 at 8:07 pm
you dont got Jack if you dont got Jack!
highly underated i think glad to see you noticed. the whole list needs some shaking up i think
boy roy
August 1, 2015 at 4:47 am
ya. this list ain’t worth squat without jack.
Bruce Allen
August 20, 2015 at 8:21 pm
I could not agree more. Jack was incredible.
Robert Richman
February 8, 2016 at 9:36 pm
Indeed follks; perennial winner of best bassist in Playboy Magazine’s highly regarded Jazz and Pop music poll, was like a brilliant lead bass player, climbing and winding his way around the gorgeous, soaring vocals of the Airplane’s gifted singers. Check out his solo around the 2:17 mark of this terrific live video: http://youtu.be/LwFR5fjs8m4
Clive O'Neill
August 27, 2015 at 6:09 am
Absolutely. The melodic, percussive and vibrant sound he had was great. Not only on Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna but also on tracks on Hendrix’s Electric Ladyland and other sessions with other artists. The guy is a genius. Mind you. I am glad to see Phil Lesh up there. He is a very unique voice on the bass. Both are Bay Area rocks. Or stalwarts if you prefer.
Stephen Perge
October 20, 2015 at 5:41 pm
Absolutely agreed. A list of 50 top bass players without Jack Casady is unthinkable!
roger
July 27, 2019 at 8:35 pm
Jack is on the list at #23. I agree that he should be at least in the top 10.
jenni riley
August 10, 2016 at 10:31 am
What about herbie flowers? Not complete without the master
Derek Marshall
November 16, 2016 at 7:28 pm
Many good suggestions below, but I agree Herbie Flowers must not be omitted. Who has not got the start of Walk on the Wild Side in their head somewhere!
Will Sullivan
November 15, 2016 at 10:13 pm
Jack Cassidy, from the Airplane and Hot Tuna, should be in the top 10, but he’s not even on the list! He was also the bass player on Jimi’s famous Voodoo Chile recording.
Chris
November 16, 2016 at 4:57 am
Jack should be number one if the Jazz players like Jaco weren’t on there. This list is a joke !!!
If you are going to have Jazz Musicians on a list like this, you have to put them all at the top of the list. Come on. Paul M is better than Jaco ? Give me a break !!!!!
John Lodge
October 25, 2017 at 12:05 am
So where then is the brilliant Cecil McBee, Buster Williams, Hugh Hopper of Soft Machine, Jannik Topp ex of Magma and Magma’s current bassist who is truly mind blowing. His name evades me.
James
August 5, 2017 at 2:44 pm
100% agreed.
Steven Montalbano
December 12, 2017 at 9:38 pm
Berry Oakley at 41 is just ridiculous
He is a top 5 easily. Stanley Clark is a Master. These list are so subjective and personal to the music of the listener.
Galen mccall
September 25, 2019 at 7:21 am
Barry Oakley was real good
pg
July 3, 2019 at 1:07 pm
he is # 23 so all’s well
Bo Dacious
July 4, 2019 at 4:05 am
…but should be much higher. Jack rules.
Beefcomb
July 4, 2019 at 3:27 am
Did you notice who #23 was?
Curtis Brown
April 1, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Jack is on the list. One that is not is, IMOO, Tony Levin !!!!! He is the most sought after Bassist today. He is the Bassists Bassist. Plays on about 1/3 of everything you hear. Nuf Said.
brendan
June 22, 2015 at 1:28 am
NORMAN WATT ROY
is the best BASS
Deal with the Funk
Bootsy Knows
Adrian Cunliffe
December 13, 2017 at 8:04 am
You’re right. The best bass guitarist ever.
RANDY
July 1, 2015 at 3:53 am
NO BODY LIVING TODAY IS BETTER THAN VICTOR WOOTEN
Edward
October 19, 2015 at 5:07 pm
Victor is great….. However, I don’t see him as being better than several who have either been relegated to a far lower status than they SHOULD be, such as Billy Sheehan, (at #22, while LEMMY is at #20…. WTF? LEMMY?), or John Myung and Stu Hamm, who have been overlooked ENTIRELY. Victor IS great, but he certainly is NOT better than Sheehan, Myung, or Hamm….
Chris
September 22, 2016 at 3:53 pm
Respectfully, you’re insane. Victor destroys Sheehan. Sheehan has nowhere near the musical vocabulary that Victor does. Victor is the best living bass player on the planet (Stanley Clarke probably a close second). Sheehan is great, and a super nice guy, but he simply could not do what Victor does. I have met and hung out with them both, and have seen them play in may scenarios. Sheehan can’t swing, and he is too much of a stylist.
Andrew
July 20, 2019 at 8:57 am
It’s all subjective. I personally would have Jonas Hellborg up there with Wooten, and he is not even on the list.
tam sinclair
July 2, 2015 at 12:22 pm
Most of these are just famous – wanna talk about great players…. listen to any track by Nazareth’s Pete Agnew!
robbie hernandez
July 4, 2015 at 2:28 pm
I agree!….and what about the talented (singer, songwriter) and showmanship of JoJo Garcia of Los Lonely Boys and for his ever so deep and dynamic, thudding or vibrant, you could almost count the viibrations of the strings of Mel Schachers bass….of GRAND FUNK RR!
Kenny Roberts
July 9, 2015 at 5:54 pm
You missed Mel Schacher (Grand Funk), who ruled the bottom end… and Chris Squire at #15? Who made up this list, cheerleaders and reality tv nonstars?
Dan
July 11, 2015 at 2:05 am
I agree Chris Squire should be at least top 5!!!
Cyclotron
August 20, 2015 at 5:51 pm
Absolutely right! And what about Percy Jones (Brand X)?
Michael Martinez
June 23, 2016 at 4:28 pm
you mean Mel Schaeffer with Don Brewer and Mark Farner. Mel changed the way bass players held the bottom and also added great phrasing. Too sad we didnt make it much less the top ten. N
ot many are better than him.
Katherine white
September 9, 2016 at 8:34 pm
Thank you for saying Mel shocker GFR is so underrated!!!
Ian Thor
April 28, 2019 at 4:16 am
Hows about Glyn Havard of Icarus the original group, who went on to Jade Warrior? Great singer too…I played with him on gigs and recordings too…maybe not as famous as above..but there are great unknowns too..check out Yellow Balloon, Devil Rides Out, You’re in Life…I played many USA bases with Glyn…a pia no/ bass duo….rock, heavy metal, classic, pop, funk, jazz….whatever I played..Glyn was there…had the yanks stomping….halcyon days!
Tony
September 9, 2016 at 5:28 am
I agree, Mel Should get his props! Unfortunately, since the Ashhats at the RRHOF always pan GFR, that’s probably not gonna happen.
Dan Wolfe
July 3, 2015 at 7:48 am
And John Wetton. And James Dewar. And Peter Cowling. And Dave Hope. And Paul Newton. And Leo Lyons. And Peter Albin. And Jojo Garza. Ad infinitum… So many left off the list because they’re not better known, not not better. Only room for 50??!!!
Livio
August 21, 2015 at 8:42 pm
Yes, forgot John Wetton!!!!!
SK
October 17, 2015 at 7:09 am
agree, and many other excellent musicians not mentioned. But it happens in similar lists always
Steve Jordan
November 25, 2016 at 6:27 pm
A one! Peter “Mars” Cowling could teach ’em all.
NOBS
August 21, 2015 at 11:30 am
wtf Paul McCartney better than Jack Bruce…hahahahahha. STFU I hate this retarded shit
Limpi
August 22, 2015 at 9:27 pm
Agreed! 🙂
Python
August 24, 2015 at 10:55 pm
The only reason McCartney is rated as high as he is (like some of the others) is because of profile. I’ve never seen McCartney do anything as technical as Jaco Pastorius or Tal Wilkenfeld etc because his music style/genre never calls for it. Lets face it, McCartney is a pop musician. I have no doubt he’s a damn good muso but from a complex technical point of view Billy Sheehan or Chris Squire for example would smash him out of the park.
Tmcg
November 15, 2016 at 3:25 pm
McCartney is a very, very good bassist. He is not a technical wizard, but very solid. He would still be on this list, I think, without being in the Beatles, and probably be regarded better as a pure player. Very emotional bass lines as well, and an innovator.
Chris Squire, etc, of course, was a “better” bass player. They have Roger Waters above Chris Squire, which is wrong in terms of playing the bass, although Waters was the prime mover of a more popular band. Again, however, Waters is solid on the bass and very loud. Notice much lower on the list you have some very professionally oriented bassists like Mike Rutherford, not to speak of Pino Palladino a little higher up, buried, and very distinct, enjoyable bassists like Tina Weymouth as well. It’s a bit of a popularity contest.
Fretless Foe
April 30, 2020 at 5:18 pm
He got kicked off the guitar because he sucked, and the bass was the only other instrument he had to stay with the band. It’s insulting he’s in the list. He’s not even top 500 base players in the world. He’d tell you the same.
Python
August 24, 2015 at 10:48 pm
Where’s Jeff Becks right hand girl Tal Wilkenfeld??
Bob
September 9, 2016 at 3:02 am
Tal Wilkenfeld. I think the voting is a popularity contest more than anything to do with talent. Tal is in a different class than just about anybody on this list.
jeff ziemke
September 9, 2016 at 3:36 am
I agree, she is a class to herself. She is young and female, those 2 things kept her off the list, not talent.
Eric Chatham
September 16, 2016 at 10:31 pm
So Les Claypool… I understand 6th is up there in a list of 50 but, come on below Flea? As far as talent. He writes most if not all Lyrics, most tunes, Self taught, Creates the claymation videos, Lead Singer and makes the bass the primary instrumental. No other band puts Bass in the front. Oh and Primus Sucks!
David Joyce
January 5, 2017 at 12:44 am
That’s because Claypool’s songs suck. His playing is so far removed from anything resembling normal bass lines that many people just scratch their heads as he chirps and thumps every fret of an 8 string monstrosity.
Michael Gilmore
July 4, 2019 at 5:58 am
You are missing the point with Claypool and are hopeless because of it. Hey Hey, we’re Primus and we Suck. That’s short hand for if you don’t get it, you suck. Go away…this list sucks anyway. Whomever constructed it ought to he feed to Tammy Fae Baker inbetween make up sessions.
Tolli
May 25, 2020 at 6:09 pm
Nobody heard of Nathan East?Who made this list?
lkybuck
November 15, 2016 at 2:45 pm
50 rock bass players are better than Barry Oakley, not sure about that. Sat in the pocket between two of the best lead guitarists ever.
Val Williams
November 15, 2016 at 8:20 pm
What about Dale “Bugsley” Peters of The James Gang?
carol sue devitt
January 29, 2018 at 8:38 pm
Rick Danko
Bill Carroll
May 5, 2018 at 3:59 am
All a commercially rigged poll! Why would anybody, much less, any bass player exclude or forget to include Robert Gordon of Gil Scott-Heron’s Band or evan other expanding “firsts” type players, such as Dave Pegg or any of the Progressive Rock Gentle Giant Bass Players i.e. Shulman Brother. Anyone of my aforementioned Bassplayer can carry a song without other accompaniment. AND their style entertains BOTH SIDES OF THE BRAIN, … REALLY!!!!
Paul Keys
June 2, 2018 at 10:30 pm
MICK KARN FFS !!!
Wil Golja
July 5, 2019 at 3:40 am
I KNOW!!!!
Martin Brady
July 13, 2020 at 2:36 pm
Yes, Mick Korn for sure.
David Mansir
July 3, 2019 at 5:41 am
Great List but I think Dave Holland should have made the list, countless great jazz albums including miles Davis’ Bithes Brew.
Leopoldo
July 3, 2019 at 8:44 am
Too many rockers for my taste. To have Mingus and Charlie Haden behind Paul McCarthey is – with all due respect – a joke, and not even a funny one. And to have Jaco Pastorius as #1 is plain silly. And oh btw you forgot Miroslav Vitous. ..
Jerry
July 4, 2019 at 2:35 am
Claus voorman
Princess Rose
July 4, 2019 at 4:05 am
This list does not include Prince and is therefore complete garbage
kevin
March 16, 2020 at 10:07 pm
or no Marcus Miller!
dycegard
July 5, 2019 at 12:26 am
no Steve Harris on the list, what A shitfull list
Alan Williams
September 15, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Yet another stupid list. Order of merit very flawed list. No Martin Turner for a start.
Gerald Turner
September 18, 2019 at 7:23 pm
I agree with 80 % of the bass players on the list. But there’s bass players that weren’t even considered that are better than half of the players on the list and I’m one of them .i believe in the Muhammed Ali approach not political views on playing but obvious talent . What about Randy Jackson, Skeet Curtis Bill Dickens. Nathaniel Phillips, Doug Wimbish. And me Gerald “Tugboat” Turner/ Digable Planets. I’m not claiming to be the best in the world. But I’ll beat the brakes off of some of these on this list. Point blank period!!!
David
November 30, 2019 at 2:26 pm
Phil Lynot from Thin Lizzy wrote and sang all the songs, as good as anyone on that list, Steve Harris also, this list is garbage
Ken Meeei
January 7, 2020 at 12:19 pm
They also left out one of thee best…Larry Gaulke…Don Costa’s go to guy.
Charles
January 29, 2020 at 2:00 am
Without Edgar Meyer, this is no list at all.
Brenda Cartwright
June 21, 2015 at 3:40 pm
How about Greg Masters. His hero was Charlie Mingus
Kandee Riggio
June 21, 2015 at 3:48 pm
No And Fraser??? As usual, a popularity contest, nothing to do with who is the best
john
May 4, 2018 at 8:09 pm
Dead right Andy should be in the top ten
David
June 21, 2015 at 4:01 pm
No Michael Anthony? Seriously? Bogus list
uDiscover
June 21, 2015 at 4:08 pm
David, it’s a poll of polls, we did not see Andy’s name on any of the 12 or so polls we checked. Don’t shoot the messenger!
acc
July 17, 2015 at 7:34 pm
I agree with Bruce, McCartney, Jones and Entwistle, the other six could be replaced with at least ten of the remainging forty and some who did not make the list. No way Jaco Pastorius, Stanley Clarke, Chris Squire, and Roger Waters should not be in the top 10
bblgumtaco
November 15, 2016 at 9:58 pm
Are you nor familiar with Geddy Lee’s playing? He deserves that spot at the very least!
Mike Vale
July 3, 2019 at 5:48 am
Nobody ever heard of Pete Cetera? He solidified Chicago’s rhythm section
Roshimon
June 23, 2015 at 3:45 pm
Michael Anthony was right for Van Halen and his harmony’s made many VH songs great, but he was not a great bass player.
Hill
August 4, 2017 at 8:32 pm
I am not not a huge Van Halen fan, but a passive fan. But you are wrong, Michael Anthony is a very good bass player, deserves to be on this list somewhere. Listen, i mean really listen to some of his bass work on Fair Warning and 1984 (no, not “Jump”!), he really puts in some nice bass lines.
Ralf
June 21, 2015 at 4:08 pm
I miss Larry Taylor from Canned Heat ….
Rob
June 21, 2015 at 6:46 pm
Couldn’t agree more! His bass solo on the live track ‘Refried Boogie’ revealed what a talented and versatile player he was,
Al
July 8, 2015 at 2:45 pm
Glad to see I’m not the only one who thinks Larry Taylor should be on this list. He’s in my personal top 10. Great player.
Also, what about Jimmy Blanton? He should be on the list as well.
moein
June 21, 2015 at 4:09 pm
what about nick beggs bryan beller john myung?
and really? paul mccartney better than marcus miller and the rest?
mfincham
August 20, 2015 at 7:38 pm
I agree….Paul Macartney better than many of lower ranked ones??? Seriously???
Ralf
June 21, 2015 at 4:09 pm
I miss Larry Taylor from Canned Heat
Leif Swedberg
June 21, 2015 at 4:21 pm
No Larry Graham? He invented the Bootsy style of playing bass!
uDiscover
June 21, 2015 at 4:35 pm
He’s at No.26
Cor
September 2, 2016 at 6:51 pm
Chris Squire should be on #1. Paul Newton (Uriah Heep) is missing on the list and should at #2….
Matt
June 21, 2015 at 4:29 pm
How is Adam Clayton not on this list???
Chris Storrier
June 22, 2015 at 12:13 am
I suppose it’s down to personal taste….i don’t think that you can say one is better than the other…..musical taste,style and whatever. No body is going to agree on this one….
tony wright
November 14, 2016 at 7:11 pm
so true,but where is felix pappalardi?
Maximus Ridiculous
July 5, 2015 at 7:32 pm
Because he’s rubbish!
Erik
September 6, 2016 at 5:56 pm
Clayton had to learn on the fly. When U2 first started he didn’t know what he was doing, he was just good at acting like he did. He never received any training until the mid 90’s. In an interview, Bono claimed that he was accepted into the group because he was the only one with an amp.
Matt
November 5, 2016 at 3:15 pm
Agree 100%. It’s astounding to me that Adam Clayton never makes any of these lists. He’s been the rock solid backbone of the best rock band of the last 30 years, yet he gets zero recognition. Same with Larry Mullin. Also, Jack Bruce at #8??? Just stop…. top 3 minimum.
YirmeYah bar YHVH Barraza
June 21, 2015 at 4:50 pm
NO Paul Goddard (Top 10 at least) and NO Oteil Burbridge (better than most on the list). McCartney not Top 10 and probably not Top 50. Berry Oakley better than most in this “Top 10” and not just #41. Put Tal Wilkerson on that list, too. Roger Waters better than Stanley Clarke or Tony Levin? Puh-LEAZE! This list sucks.
Craig
June 21, 2015 at 7:14 pm
Dude, McCartney revolutionized the place of the bassist in rock. That level of melody and inventiveness challenged every bassist after him. Bet if you asked any of the guys you mention, he’s Top Ten
Mike
January 14, 2016 at 2:55 pm
Absolutely! McCartney took the bass mainstream and turned it into an instrument, interwoven with the guitars. He played chords. And he never even wanted to be the baseplayer! I think if you asked the players on this list to vote, he would have been number one.
Sergey
September 9, 2016 at 6:23 pm
Join!
Alan
November 15, 2016 at 6:25 pm
Jamerson was the bassist who changed the way we envisioned playing bass. Just the best.
Andrew Gates
November 12, 2017 at 11:30 am
Spot on Craig!!
Fred Derf
June 21, 2015 at 9:31 pm
Are you sure you’re not referring to Tal WILKENFELD? If you are, she definitely needs to be added.
YirmeYah bar YHVH Barraza
June 22, 2015 at 3:08 am
Uh-oh … yep … Wilkenfeld.
Maurice Cummins
June 21, 2015 at 4:57 pm
Where’s Les Claypool from Primus and Mushroom Head?!!! I agree with Flea, but Claypool should be with him!
Rex
July 13, 2015 at 8:25 am
He’s number 6!
Maurice Cummins
June 21, 2015 at 4:59 pm
Oops! Found him, my bad!
azmo66
June 21, 2015 at 5:04 pm
Oh, sure. The Iron Maiden guy is the 7th best bass player, ever. Right behind Les Claypool. Likely story.
The order of this list is ridiculous.
Pierre Vincent
July 18, 2015 at 8:56 pm
Probably because he writes most of Iron Maiden’s music as well as playing bass…
Page Ayres
June 21, 2015 at 5:08 pm
You missed perhaps the best of all, Tim Bogert of Vanilla Fudge, more appropriately Cactus, and especially of Beck, Bogert and Appice.
Pat Eck
June 28, 2015 at 6:57 pm
I agree Page. Tim Bogert should at the very least be in the top ten. His playing in Cactus was amazing!
Alan
August 21, 2015 at 8:24 am
Yes!
Gregg
September 10, 2016 at 5:27 pm
Exactly…..TIM BOGART not in the Top 5????? Is Sacrilege……definitely Top 5 with John Paul Jones and Entwistle.
Sam Long
June 21, 2015 at 5:21 pm
Tal Welkinfield and Botsy Collins
Gabe Thomas
June 21, 2015 at 5:45 pm
Walter Page needs to be here. The lynchpin of the All-American rhythm section under Count Basie.
Mike Brown
June 22, 2015 at 5:20 am
I agree , Walter Page’s omission reflects how little distance anyone is willing to go for the best and most creative bassist of Modern times (thanks Gabe) , and then there’s Pop’s Foster who invented the ‘walking’ bass line which led to Walter , boogie-woogie and rock n roll . These guys ‘made’ stuff. Although the bassist’s listed , and sub-listed are all worthy of being great in their own way .
pippa beech
June 21, 2015 at 5:46 pm
Roger Glover 42? you seriously underrated him.
Jonathan
June 21, 2015 at 7:28 pm
I was thinking the same thing man! How can anyone say Sting is a better bass player than Roger Glover? Don’t think so!!!!
Dan Wolfe
July 3, 2015 at 6:31 am
Victor Wooten is exceptional but I don’t see him driving Deep Purple. And I like apples better than oranges… except when I don’t. How can bass be quantified? These are all excellent players. Just how excellent depends on what kind of music YOU want to hear now
Peter Busch
October 21, 2015 at 9:43 pm
agree
Steve McKenzie
June 21, 2015 at 5:47 pm
How can you have Roger Glover and no Glenn Hughes? Seriously no Gary Thain?
griff
August 20, 2015 at 2:35 pm
Agreed. Gary Thain on ‘July Morning’ was as thundering as it gets…Glover, Sachler, and Mr. Glenn Hughes! And Yes, Chris Squire too!
integam
November 16, 2016 at 5:19 pm
Glad somebody else caught this. Gary Thain was a monster with Heep.
S
July 4, 2019 at 7:08 am
Roger waters
Doug Baynton
June 21, 2015 at 5:47 pm
No Percy Jones, Ray Shulman or John Wetton???? Not even Jeff Berlin????
Tina Weymouth only no.36?
How come Entwhistle, Flea and McCartney are so high up? Talk about overrated….
georged
June 21, 2015 at 10:32 pm
Quadraphenia…The Real Me
Brad
June 21, 2015 at 11:27 pm
Have you listened to the Who or RHCP?
chris storrier
June 22, 2015 at 12:18 am
Are you serious…John Entwhistle overated……have you listened to the original Quadraphenia
David Stewart
June 22, 2015 at 3:30 am
John Entwhistle the best nooooo problem with that seriously!
Ralph S
June 23, 2015 at 2:16 pm
Can’t believe anyone would not put Entwhistle at least in their top ten. I think he’s right where he belongs on this list – number one. Check the real deal out on “Live at Leeds”, especially the extended album with a complete “Tommy” set.
Eddy Steenkamp
June 21, 2015 at 5:59 pm
Well, most of you won’t know him but i miss Andy Smith of Mostly Autumn.
daddyman
June 21, 2015 at 6:04 pm
what !!!!!???? no Jack Cassidy …Airplane and Hot Tuna!!1 puhleessee!!
Joe vitelli
June 21, 2015 at 6:09 pm
tal Wilkenfeld
John
June 21, 2015 at 6:13 pm
Rick Danko from The Band and Bob Dylan needs to be on the list.
Terry Danko
August 19, 2019 at 6:47 pm
I think so too !
Lasmono Hadiatmadji
June 21, 2015 at 6:15 pm
You forget to put Gary Thain, Stu Cook, Chris Squire, Glen Hughes and Mel Scacher. They all sounds awesome on their bass guitar
Konteradmiral
June 21, 2015 at 6:20 pm
As always on those kinds of lists, sidemen are grossly underrated. Sklar at 49 und Dunn at 47 ?
Come on.
Dundurn
June 21, 2015 at 10:48 pm
Absolutely, Russell Kunkel and Sklar were one of the great “engine rooms” of recent years.
Herman de Lorijn
June 21, 2015 at 6:24 pm
Gary Thain from Uriah Heep………
D. Matz
July 1, 2015 at 4:35 am
Good call
Chris
June 21, 2015 at 6:30 pm
I didn’t see Bunny Brunel, or Jeff Berlin
Carm
June 21, 2015 at 6:33 pm
Geddy Lee wipes the floor with all these other players. JP Jones was not a great bassist! Just the bassist for a great band.
Beethovenwasdeaf
June 21, 2015 at 6:56 pm
Geddy Lee? Seriously?
joetheinformed
June 21, 2015 at 7:35 pm
Geddy Lee is the best bassist on earth, so yes, seriously. You must not listen to Rush.
Richard
June 22, 2015 at 12:30 am
I like Geddy but I still think Entwistle is a little better and that’s not a knock on Geddy Lee by any means but Entwistle…some of these people on this list couldn’t even carry his bass
Neil
June 21, 2015 at 6:54 pm
Chris Squire (of Yes) is the greatest bass player around and knocks the others into a cocked hat so why on earth is he only No.16??
Also no mention of Mick Karn (RIP) hugely talented fretless bass virtuoso who was also better than the vast majority on the list. Just because the band was/is great doesn’t mean that the individuals are great musicians.
Nick
June 21, 2015 at 9:11 pm
Chris Squire is awesome. The list missed Martin Turner ( Wishbone Ash), Jon Camp (Renaissance) and Peter Farrelly (Fruupp) though.
Billy Auld
June 21, 2015 at 9:58 pm
Martin Turner is the most ignored but brilliant bass player this country has ever known.
Wil Golja
July 5, 2019 at 3:47 am
The legend Mick Karn… not forgotten but sadly forgotten from this list
Lasmono Hadiatmadji
June 21, 2015 at 6:54 pm
Gary Thain (uriah heep), Mel Scacher (gfr), Greg Lake (elp), Stu Cook (ccr),
Peter Cetera (chicago), John Taylor (duran duran) & David Brown (santana) should be on the list !
mcw
June 22, 2015 at 11:34 am
Any list without Mel Schacher is crazy!!
Louis Almond
July 11, 2016 at 3:28 am
I never knew much about bass players because they were unsung heroes, but growing up in the late 60’s/early 70’s, my ears really picked up on John Entwistle of the Who and Mel Schaker of Grand Funk as standing out and dominant … but I am NOT a musician!!!
Phil
July 6, 2015 at 5:04 am
Gary Thain for sure! And Stu Cook
Jen Moore
September 29, 2016 at 8:28 am
Agree Peter Cetera should absolutely be on this list, phenomenal player
Tokyoblue
December 25, 2018 at 2:49 am
Rio
Every time.
James
June 21, 2015 at 6:56 pm
what kind of list is this???!! surely not a list of the greatest bass players without the man JACK CASSIDY!!!!!
Steve
June 22, 2015 at 1:19 am
My sentiment exactly, if you don’t believe it listen to Hot Tuna with Jarma…Duh!
straub paul
June 23, 2015 at 1:43 am
Or Tower of Power Francis “Rocco” Prestia !!!
Paul
June 23, 2015 at 1:54 am
Or fromTower of Power … Francis “Rocco” Prestia !!!
Tom Puzio
June 21, 2015 at 7:04 pm
JACK CASADY!
Craig
June 21, 2015 at 7:08 pm
these lists are always a crapshoot but seriously? The dude from Iron Maiden can’t hold a candle to bassists like Bruce Thomas from the Attractions. And if you want power and melody, Bruce Foxton from the Jam is a notable exception, much better than Sting
Frantek
June 21, 2015 at 7:09 pm
What about Mike Porcaro…
Carlos
June 22, 2015 at 3:50 am
Definitely Porcaro and also Timothy B Schmidt (eagles). Good bass is down there holding the sound together not up in the treble trying to play lead on bass and muddying the whole thing.
tomas
June 21, 2015 at 7:14 pm
realy.. where is FELIX PEPALARDI> if you have not heard of him, it’s not music you are listening to
tony wright
November 14, 2016 at 7:18 pm
agree agree agree,overlooked always,where have these experts been living?
Lexx
June 21, 2015 at 7:16 pm
Where are Greg Lake (ELP), John Wetton (King Crimson) and Hugh Hopper (Soft Machine) ?
Gary Gomes
July 2, 2015 at 1:55 am
Where are Lee Jackson, Janick Top,Jamaaladeen Tacuma, John Greaves, Rocketry Morton? Thanks for mentioning Hugh Hopper.
Raybe
October 21, 2015 at 11:58 am
Just like all the drummers polls this is just a popularity contest, John Wetton should be high up on this list but there are Jazz Fusion bass players who can play rings around all these guys with one hand tied behind their backs
karmik
November 22, 2015 at 4:08 pm
right…..Guys like Rick Laird, Tom Kennedy, Mbap Ettienne, Jaco, …………the true technicians ………
Shane Sikes
October 25, 2017 at 7:10 pm
Mel Schacher of Grand Funk Railroad
tomas
June 21, 2015 at 7:20 pm
if you haven’t heard . FELIX PAPPALARDI you haven’t heard true music.
mark
June 21, 2015 at 7:31 pm
I agree! Felix Pappalardi should be on this list!
tony wright
November 14, 2016 at 7:20 pm
you are so right,his bass playing live was amazin.
Jyri Mikkola
June 21, 2015 at 7:20 pm
Trevor Bolder, Joey De Maio, Jimmy Bain, Rob Trujillo, Jason Newsted…
Richard Gearon
June 21, 2015 at 7:23 pm
This is INSANE. Willie Dixon at #37? He should be #1, and you left off several jazz bassists, including Leroy Vinnegar.
David Bradford
June 21, 2015 at 7:30 pm
I’ve only recently found her but I do feel that a rare girl bass player should get a mention on the list……. ” Tal Wilkenfeld ” she is awesome and can’t wait to seeing her live.. xxx
Troy
June 21, 2015 at 7:31 pm
Among the forgotten, Kim Deal
Harry
June 21, 2015 at 7:33 pm
GARY THAIN!! Without whom I wouldn’t be playing bass.
joetheinformed
June 21, 2015 at 7:34 pm
Geddy Lee not number 1? Bogus
dawna bunday
June 21, 2015 at 7:43 pm
I don’t see the one and only Steve Knobles !
Beta-M-64
June 21, 2015 at 7:44 pm
Couldn’t agree more about John Entwistle’s placement. A great song writer, singer, and bass player.
R M
June 21, 2015 at 7:45 pm
What about JJ Burnel
Tim Drain
June 21, 2015 at 7:46 pm
What about Glenn Hughes from Trapeze and more famously, Deep Purple. He’s also a great vocalist.
James Chirgotis
June 21, 2015 at 7:55 pm
this is not a list of the greatest bass players without JACK CASSIDY!!!! obviously a mistake or oversight.
Kiwi
June 21, 2015 at 8:01 pm
Tai W, Gary Thai, who left of Klus Corman.
Shadowcruzr
June 21, 2015 at 8:10 pm
The most overlooked bassist has to be Greg Lake. To carry those songs with all that Emerson and Palmer had going on around him. Incredible!
Volker Dieling
June 21, 2015 at 8:12 pm
Colin Moulding of XTC has to be here!!!
Mark
June 21, 2015 at 8:15 pm
Paul Chambers
Bob Donovan
June 21, 2015 at 8:19 pm
Dave LaRue and Nick Beggs.
georgert
June 21, 2015 at 8:21 pm
Ahem…. and no Tal Wilkenfeld? Bogus.
Nathan Scrivens
June 21, 2015 at 8:23 pm
No Pete Trewavas? Really?
Canda Clock
June 21, 2015 at 8:28 pm
Much of my top ten have been overlooked. On the rock side Jack Casady, and Andy Fraser. And on the jazz side Max Bennett and Ron Carter.
SideShowBob (@HamlinHawg)
June 21, 2015 at 8:31 pm
Jack Casady & Allen Woody
Steve
June 21, 2015 at 8:35 pm
Jack Bruce should be #1 and what about Carmine Rojas?
Mike Fincham
August 20, 2015 at 7:42 pm
I agree…Jack Bruce should be further up the chart!
Humble Pie
June 21, 2015 at 8:41 pm
this list is bullshit!….where is Greg Ridley??????
brian galway
June 21, 2015 at 8:45 pm
very interesting indeed , as i’m planning a trip to Goa so i’m trying to jot down as many tracks as possible to possibly do on a karaoke
ira schulman
June 21, 2015 at 8:46 pm
No Doug Pinnick from Kings X? You must be kidding. The man is a bass god. SRSLY!
john
June 21, 2015 at 8:46 pm
Jack Bruce should be higher,so should Duck Dunn
John Bytell
June 21, 2015 at 8:48 pm
Phelix Paplardi,, outstanding bass man with one of the few 3 piece giants Mountain and producer for Cream. Jack Bruce would have been my no. 1. Not many people could have battle sessions with “GOD” like he did.. R.I.P.
Geoff
June 21, 2015 at 8:53 pm
Seriously, no BOB BABBIT!!! come on man on of the most signature bass lines goin’ in “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”
RevRonsRants
June 21, 2015 at 8:54 pm
Jack Casidy from the old rock school, and certainly Tal Wilkenfeld. And how about Darryl Anger from the Jazz genre?
Kathryn Kelley
June 21, 2015 at 11:52 pm
yeah, absultely . So Unique and so recognizeable
Eric
June 21, 2015 at 9:00 pm
Ron Carter, Jah Wobble
KeninMiami
June 21, 2015 at 9:05 pm
I’m old school. While it’s hard to pass on Jaco, Mingus, Entwistle and Jack Cassady, I have to go with the groove master…Donald Duck Dunn. While I was influenced by the others Dunn’s “style” was my cornerstone. He wasn’t a “showman” but then I’ve never been impressed with showmen in the rythmn section, that’s the front mans gig.
Matt
June 21, 2015 at 9:10 pm
Jerry Scheff should be there. Monster bass player with the TCB band.
Mikey Nails!
November 2, 2016 at 6:04 pm
I scanned through the list, finding almost everyone I thought should be on here. Then I did a page search for Jerry Scheff. Which brought me to your comment.
Agreed.
Craig Sawyer
June 21, 2015 at 9:11 pm
As with any list of this sort, I don’t get too excited or aggravated over the ‘order’ of the honorees, and the other commenters have pointed out that several phenomenal players didn’t ‘make’ the list. All the same I find it ironic that of my two favorite bassists, one topped the list and the other isn’t mentioned. Those two being John Entwistle and Jack Casady.
Geoffrey Hansplant
June 21, 2015 at 9:12 pm
Some great bassists here to be sure, but here are five more worthies:
Jack Casady – Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna
Mark Andes – Spirit
Ken Forssi !!!!! – Love
Rod Clements – Lindisfarne
John Lodge – Moody Blues
Doug
June 21, 2015 at 10:32 pm
Mark Andies was a great bassist and Spirit was always underrated
Barbara
September 7, 2019 at 1:20 am
Definitely John Lodge!!!
Samel
June 21, 2015 at 9:13 pm
Is this is list of the MOST FAMOUS bass players or the ACTUALLY BEST bass players? How can Victor Wooten be behind Paul McCartney?
rad5539@att.net
June 21, 2015 at 11:44 pm
Oteil Burbridge definitey belongs in the top 5 if not #1 and he is not even listed. Phil Lesh also should be near the top. What about Allen Woody?
karmik
November 22, 2015 at 4:16 pm
and how about Mike Gordon of Phish ………? That guy is a monster on bass. Also Jay Mosley from The String Cheese Incident is great too, as well as John Wolochuk from the Canadian band KLAATU, who everyone thought was The Beatles in a secret reunion in 1977. ……….and how about MOE’s Rob Derhak ……….? another great bassist. There are sooooo many great players …………too many to mention. But i gotta say that Oteil is a real killer ………..
Ruprecht Raoul
September 8, 2016 at 5:04 pm
Phuck Phish!
David Joyce
January 5, 2017 at 12:53 am
What about Matt Freeman of Rancid?
r
June 21, 2015 at 9:13 pm
I dont know whats worse the list or the comments oh yeah the comments it a rock list forget the jazz guys get your own list & seriously bob dylan but there is jack Bruce and some of the others hover around 27 and the rest should just go sit with kim Deal & stu stu stucliff and because you dont know why thats why your picks are based on the period genre you only know.
Alix
June 21, 2015 at 9:15 pm
You are missing Calvin ‘Fuzzy’ Samuel of Manassas and CSNY and more.
ATRIII
June 21, 2015 at 9:20 pm
No Pat Sullivan.
No Dennis Dunaway???
I know it’s hard to narrow down this type of list, so I just thought their names should at least be mentioned here.
Willie R
June 21, 2015 at 9:23 pm
Aw C’mon. Rick Danko, What an oversight. Brilliant…
Wayne Van
June 21, 2015 at 9:27 pm
Seriously, listen to more Stevie Ray Vaughan and old Johnny Winter. I think Tommy Shannon deserves a place on this list.
Sandra
June 21, 2015 at 9:34 pm
No Rocco Prestia????
Steve Archer
April 1, 2016 at 10:18 pm
Finally, someone recognizes Francis Rocco Prestia. If you don’t know, you don’t know.
Allan
June 21, 2015 at 9:35 pm
Felix Pappalardi
tony wright
November 14, 2016 at 7:24 pm
you do not need to say anymore.
JOHN SUMNER
June 21, 2015 at 9:42 pm
You have one female on this list. Have you not seen Tal Wilkenfeld play with Jeff Beck? She’s better than 3/4 of that list and cute as hell too.
Josh
June 21, 2015 at 9:52 pm
mike Gordon from phish! Wtf
James D
June 21, 2015 at 9:56 pm
The players on the list, and omissions are hardly anyone’s fault – they were collected from various polls on the internet.
Interesting to see from the comments that personal biases cloud reasonable thoughts. Far too many are not listening to the bass players, or do not like the genre that they play, and it is preventing them to make fair comparisons.
All I know is that there are some wonderful bass players on the list. Who is the best? I haven’t a clue. I know who I like, but that doesn’t make them the best, just my opinion. If someone has been left off, so what? You like them, you attend their concerts and buy their recordings if they are still alive , when it comes down to it, that is all that matters.
I have had to re-appraise John Entwistle. He is very good, and I failed to give him credit where it was genuinely due. Is he the best? I really don’t mind if others rate him lower. I have seen the man play, and if others put him at 51 or 151, it matters not, he was a fine musician, and if you enjoy the Who music, he is just one of the reasons that cause you to enjoy them.
karmik
November 22, 2015 at 4:25 pm
ahhhh yesss ………you are the true voice of reason here in the comments section of this list.
after all, there is no such thing as “best” ………..it’s too subjective ………..people like what they like, and have different attitudes about what makes a player The Best ! ………….frankly, there are some players on this list i am just not familiar with ……….we can’t know and like everything or everybody. …….it’s impossible ……………. there’s just too much and too many …. Personal choice is just that ….personal. special and important to any individual. That’s what makes us – US !
Linda Murray
August 9, 2020 at 8:31 pm
Couldn’t agree more, I think John Deacon should be on the list, he wrote & played some of the most well known & recognisable riffs.
Ken Soderlund
September 8, 2016 at 4:36 pm
To your argument, any list excluding John McVie, in my opinion, is not valid. McVie honed his craft with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers ~ a group that influenced almost every rock band in the 60’s. And, with Fleetwood Mac? …enough said.
janet
October 12, 2017 at 10:13 pm
Jaco Pastorius!!!!!
Kim Jørsing
June 21, 2015 at 10:02 pm
Abraham Laboriel from Koinonia
Tal Winkenfeld , one of the few female bassist in the world, born 1986.
Richard Bona from Cameroun , played with Pat Metheny
Peter J Davies
June 21, 2015 at 10:06 pm
What about Dave Pegg (Fairport Convention, Jethro Tull) and the legendary Danny Thompson???
Danny P
September 8, 2016 at 6:22 am
Heck, I’m gonna add about anyone who played bass with Tull. Much can be said about Ian Anderson, but he always brings the best musicians. Tull bassists were always expected to be well rounded – even down to wielding the stand-up bass when needed. Listen to the many renditions of “Bouree” for examples.
Reinhard Prentki
June 21, 2015 at 10:31 pm
51. Bernd Zamulo – Cuxhaven Germany from : ” THe LORDS” Germanband since 1959
Merle
June 21, 2015 at 10:36 pm
What a wholeheartedly predictable and otherwise boring list.
Tony Taylor
June 21, 2015 at 10:41 pm
What about the bong rattling bass of Mel scacher from grand funk railroad
Andy
June 22, 2015 at 2:46 am
Entwistle wasTHE best.
“Over-rated?” Not possible.
Edgar
June 21, 2015 at 10:50 pm
Timothy B. Schmidt
Colin Duncan
June 21, 2015 at 10:55 pm
I’ve been playing bass for over 40 years and my heroes have always been Jack Bruce and Abraham Laboriel. Why isn’t Abe there? One of the most awesome bassists ever. Guitar Player Magazine described him as “the most widely used session bassist of our time”
Randy
June 21, 2015 at 11:04 pm
Come on! Where is the late great Mick Karn ?
mark stallard
June 21, 2015 at 11:07 pm
no cliff williams from acdc
adam
June 21, 2015 at 11:10 pm
Mike Dirnt! he should be recognised as one of the greatest!
Owen
August 18, 2015 at 5:52 am
GOOD bassist. But not GREAT bassist.
Speaking of the punk genre, where is Matt Freeman?
mudsharkable
June 21, 2015 at 11:12 pm
A list like this has got to be impossible to make. There’s no way you can take into account so many accomplishments by so many individuals over such a long time. There are so many great bassists that have come and gone and still linger on. No one even considers someone like Dusty Hill but he has made an indelible mark on history none the less.
j guillemette
June 21, 2015 at 11:14 pm
Uhhhmm…..no Mick Karn???!!! Really???!!!
Tina Weymouth???!!! Seriously???!!!
Bob
June 21, 2015 at 11:21 pm
Bill Wyman was an ordinary bass player in a great band. Bob Glaub deserves to be on this list. Heck, Stephen Stills is better than many of these guys.
Mark Waller
June 21, 2015 at 11:21 pm
find it hard to believe that Noel Redding not there, nice to see Flea as high up. Also would like to see Jim Lea get an honourable mention, great bass player and all round musician.
Sergey
October 17, 2015 at 6:53 am
Composes of list just have no ears! Noel Redding, Bill Wyman, Jim Lea, Mel Shacher at least should be in (IMHO in top 20) Roll this shit carefully in tube and put in your a… back
karmik
November 22, 2015 at 4:28 pm
how about Rick Gretch …….?
nickel1
June 21, 2015 at 11:22 pm
Entwistle was phenomenal. Easily my first choice. I liked the list though was surprised no Mike Watt or Doug Wimbish. Yeah, Jack Cassidy too. Some big time omissions. I’m not a metal guy but Steve Harris is phenomenal and maiden certainly not your average metal band
John Olore
June 21, 2015 at 11:24 pm
I was more than a little disappointed to see the late John Glascock (Jethro Tull, Carmen) failed to make the list.
Rogan
June 21, 2015 at 11:29 pm
what about trail blazers like JET HARRIS
Peter Friberg
July 1, 2016 at 4:33 pm
Whitout whom there would not be one single British name on the list …
Brad
June 21, 2015 at 11:33 pm
And where is Brian Ritchie from the Violent Femmes?
tony
June 21, 2015 at 11:34 pm
I’d put Billy Sheehan and those jazz bassists – Clarke, Wooten, Miller up in the top 10 (and what about Jet Harris of the original shadows?)
Nelson Barrosh
June 21, 2015 at 11:35 pm
In my opinion John Paul Jones could be the first because of all his works in Led zeppelin and alone.
Rich
June 21, 2015 at 11:47 pm
Of course most of these guys listed need to be mentioned BUT the order is way off.
All you need mention about Chris Squire is listen to “Sound Chaser” to see how versatile he is, or anything by Geezer Butler to see that he’s an inventive genius. Then of course there’s the guys not mentioned, like Jack Cassidy, Greg Lake and Ian Hill (Judas Priest) that must be on this list. But nice try.
Dr Nick
June 21, 2015 at 11:55 pm
Can’t believe Tony Levin is that far down, what about John Taylor, sure he may have been a pinup, but he’s an amazing bassist.
Tony
June 22, 2015 at 12:03 am
Don’t see how you can overlook John Illsley of Dire Straits and Sir Horace Gentleman from ska legends The Specials?
John Samms
June 22, 2015 at 12:07 am
Can’t believe that Jack Cassidy (Hot Tuna) isn’t in the top 10!
Nebojsa
June 22, 2015 at 12:14 am
Felix Pappalardi, Jack Bruce and unforgettable Gary Thain!
Terry Wyatt
June 22, 2015 at 12:19 am
Entwistle always has & always will be my (personal) favorite but where’s Slade’s Jim Lea????
Bob
June 22, 2015 at 12:20 am
Kenny Aanderson
Terry Mueller
June 22, 2015 at 12:28 am
We all have our favorites, and we know this isn’t a scientific ranking- just a poll of polls.
BUT, Prince’s new bassist, Ida Kristine Nielsen of 3rd Eye Girl (and NPG) is the best “newcomer” since Tal Wilkenfeld. And, Prince is right up there, too.
Jay
June 22, 2015 at 12:28 am
I want some of what y’all are drinking!! The order is whack and bad!! Why not include John Wetton; King Crimson!, Greg Lake; ELP, RON CARTER Mile Davis, etc!!! , Rick Danko The Band, Jack Cassady; Jefferson Airplane, Hugh Hopper; The Soft Machine, Adam Clayton; U2!!!, Larry Taylor, Canned Heat, John May all, etc!!! And one of my personal favorites Roy Estrada, Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention, LITTLE FEAT. YOUR LIST isn’t worth crap!
Jay
June 22, 2015 at 12:34 am
I would have had Dee Murray, Greg Lake, Bruce Foxton and Bruce Thomas.
Jay
June 22, 2015 at 12:38 am
Sorry about the confusion. It looks like there was another Jay that posted at almost the same time, but I have to agree with the first Jay and also include Rick Danko on the list.
Steve
June 22, 2015 at 12:41 am
Great Bassists should be known for what they contributed to the sound of a song. Its one thing if its a great song but if the song is notable because of how the Bass stands out and is unique, that is a true ‘top’ Bassist. Carol Kaye and James Jamerson and Joe Osborn (not even on the list) should be top ten, if you don’t know who they are you know ‘nothing’ about great Bass players. Others that should be on the list: Tom Petersson of Cheap Trick, Allan Spenner (many great recordings listen to the Jesus Christ Superstar 1970 album) and Graham Maby from the Joe Jackson Band.
Peter
June 22, 2015 at 12:48 am
Not a bad list but Richard Sinclair of Caravan and Hatfield and the North etc should be on it and somewhere near the top.
eldred schiler
June 22, 2015 at 12:52 am
Bottom line is the groove and Jaco is the one.
tomstaiger
June 22, 2015 at 12:54 am
hey all you guys Tommy Shannon is the greatest!
Thiago
June 22, 2015 at 12:55 am
Where is Al Cisneros?
Eric Tabayoyon
June 22, 2015 at 12:57 am
Jeff Ament, Peter Steele, Tom Petersson, Tom Hamilton, Bill Dickens
Chris
June 22, 2015 at 12:58 am
No John Taylor and no Mick Karn. Some of these pollsters need to listen to more new wave.
Pat Story
June 22, 2015 at 12:59 am
i’m biased, but I say Jackie Wessel from Leon Russell’s band is one of the top bass players.
Willi
June 22, 2015 at 1:04 am
Rinus Gerritsen from Golden Earring
Gerrit Krekel
June 22, 2015 at 2:17 pm
Rinus Gerritsen from Golden Earring !!
jimmy
June 22, 2015 at 1:06 am
Where the hell is Andy Fraser from Free ??
steve h
June 22, 2015 at 1:06 am
I’d have to rank Jack Bruce as number 1.
Jeff
June 22, 2015 at 1:09 am
Gary Thain from Uriah Heep…His bass lines could double as guitar solos!
keith wallace
June 22, 2015 at 1:11 am
Hello out there!!! Ever hear of Espranza Spalding!!! To polished for Your Ears???
Daniel
June 22, 2015 at 1:13 am
Sean Yseult not on this list!!!!!!!!!
MR.Audio
June 22, 2015 at 1:22 am
LEO LYONS—————–and if you don’t know the name you DONT KNOW ROCK and Roll.!!!
Jmoreno
July 2, 2015 at 4:39 am
I totally agree with you!
Mr.Audio
June 22, 2015 at 1:23 am
And Remember————————-Stones are the 2nd Best Group in the world………………
Jim
June 22, 2015 at 1:27 am
I could quibble with the order (who couldn’t?) but my favorites were in the Top 10. In order not be completely dull and non-controversial, I’d have Flea and Geddy trade positions 🙂
Jerry
June 22, 2015 at 1:29 am
This list does suck. You got Donald Duck Dunn and Nathan East almost at the bottom. Have you ever listened to Peter Cetera work with early Chicago. Who you guys been listening to.
Mark
July 14, 2015 at 3:45 am
It’s nice to see someone else appreciate Cetera. The first 4-5 Chicago albums were stellar and he was a damned good player back then. The syrupy crap he put out later can’t take away from the genuinely brilliant playing he did in those early days.
Paul
October 12, 2019 at 7:38 am
I agree Cetera should have made the list as well as Mark King of Level 42.
Mo Trukdriver
June 22, 2015 at 1:42 am
Good list. I’m sure there are many other awesome bass player out there and everyone has their favorites or opinions on who falls where in the list. Personally, I would put Getty Lee as #1 and maybe flip flop John Entwistle with Flea but really, all of them are fantastic musicians. I was torn between Getty Lee and John Paul Jones at the #1 spot since Jones is so much more than just a bass player so a coin toss was in order. Lee got it. Seeing a lot of those names on the list and names in the comments brought back many good memories.
HK
June 22, 2015 at 1:54 am
No list is complete without Willie Weeka and Gerald Jamott
Neil Meharg
June 22, 2015 at 1:56 am
Oteil Burbridge formerly of the Allman Brothers and Tedeschi Trucks Band is a bad man.
Dom
June 22, 2015 at 2:03 am
hey! Where’s Herbie Flowers? Walk On The Wild Side? This ain’t!
Piero
June 22, 2015 at 2:05 am
This list is not finish with only 50 bass players. It should go at least to 75. Lake, Papallardi, Larry Taylor, Gerry MacAvoy an a long etc…
S. Machado
June 22, 2015 at 2:06 am
Peter Mars Cowling (Pat Travers Band), Leon Wilkeson (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Bob Daisley(Ozzy Osbourne & like ten other bands he was in) these guys are fantastic & even the guys that had to replace them were great to be able to play their lines correctly! These polls are usually a bunch of crap anyway!
G Hester
June 24, 2016 at 7:38 pm
Having grown up in the 60’s I agree with Jack Bruce and John Entwistle – However I agree that Leon Wilkeson should definitely be on the list – what he did on base for Lynyrd Skynyrd is beyond belief and to not be included – criminal
biff
June 22, 2015 at 2:07 am
You forgot Percy Jones, Ray Shulman, John Wetton, Greg Lake, David Pegg, Miroslave Vitous, Al Johnson, Michael Henderson, Dave Holland, Randy Jo Hobbs, Ralphe Armstrong, Jonas Helborg, John Lodge, and Glen Cornick … in fact, this list is devoid of a host of bassists that made HUGE contributions to 70’s Progressive Rock and Jazz Rock. So therefore, it is BOGUS even though there are some very good players on this list.
Try again, do more research, and dump the merely famous who were mediocre bassists at best, like frigging McCartney and Sting.
Nitases
June 22, 2015 at 4:58 pm
Yeah..what he said. I love McCartney but i wouldnt call him a great bass player. I play for a cover band and i would definitely be a great bassist over McCartney. No eddie jackson, whom has chops but doesn’t need to prove it every song. No glen Hughes. Its harder to play bass and sing than it is to play guitar. Ive done both. Chris squire and geddy lee should be at the top. They make what they do look easy. To me, these guys can do anything that the rest of the guys on the list can do and sound great. Just because you are famous or have a memorable bass line in a famous song doesn’t make you great. Steven Santos of Lurid Jester has a very eclectic mix as well.
jay
June 22, 2015 at 2:11 am
Charlie Haden.
Bob D
June 22, 2015 at 2:23 am
John Entwistle deserves No. 1. Quadrophenia nothing else needs to be said.
kevi k
June 22, 2015 at 2:34 am
obviously this list was compiled by some young asshole who doesn’t know much about music – sting actually made this list and Jack Cassidy didn’t ????
Rbastid
June 22, 2015 at 2:42 am
A nice list, half of which wouldn’t be worthy of lugging around Dusty Hill’s gig bag.
Michael C
June 22, 2015 at 2:48 am
Abe Laboriel was THE go to session bassist for several decades. Pop, rock, funk, jazz, etc. It didn’t matter. He could not only play it all but he created the hooks you heard all of those other guys use when they took it out on the road. He was the Quincy Jones of bass players and should have been in the top ten.
Dusty Hill and Tommy Shannon deserve a spot on the list as well. And Willie Dixon should have been in the top five.
Mike
June 22, 2015 at 2:58 am
Arif Mirabdolbaghi, Protest the Hero
Mike
June 22, 2015 at 3:00 am
or Victor Wooten
Dave
June 22, 2015 at 3:15 am
Where the H E double hockey sticks is Gene Simmons of KISS? Seriously….somethings wrong with this list. No Bob Daisley? No Ian Hill? Bogus.
Scott Dieson
June 22, 2015 at 3:23 am
What about Pastorius or Clarke?
Chaz Gradle
June 22, 2015 at 3:35 am
Mike Dirnt
Dougboblas
June 22, 2015 at 3:37 am
These lists should make provision for more than one player on the same ranking.
Dominic da Piazza and Ransome Knowling both sing for me, but the man who has utterly redefined the modern form of the instrument is Barry Guy.
Joe
June 22, 2015 at 3:48 am
Terrible list. So biased
DJC
June 22, 2015 at 3:50 am
Most of the names on this list are average. Top five
5. Cliff Burton
4. John Entwistle
3. Flea
2. Steve Harris
1. Geddy Lee
BTW, what about Jeff Pilson, Mark Anthony, and Billy Sheehan? They’d blow about 80% of the guys on this list right off stage!
brad
September 13, 2016 at 5:21 pm
WTF you put flea before Entwistle hes far better than flea, to be honest hes far better than geddy lee as well. he revolutionized the sound of the bass and showed how a bass could be used in music, inspiring many including geddy but will always out shine geddy
Phil
June 22, 2015 at 4:24 am
Where is Dave Schools? #WSMFP, #HardWorkingAmericans
I mean c’mon… When someone pokes the “bear” and makes him angry he “get’s down to business, shall we?… It’s time to stop plyin games”….
Scott Taylor
June 22, 2015 at 4:31 am
How about : Timothy B. Scmidt of ” The Eagles ” ? Great Bassist , Terrific High Vocals , Wonderful Harmony … What MORE could You Want ! ! !
dave j
June 22, 2015 at 4:36 am
Carol Kaye 35 ? Really ? she played on every song in the 60’s. never even heard of these other bloks ……. ‘cept sting, paul & JPJones
pierre diotte
June 22, 2015 at 4:46 am
Two of the most underated and sadly forgotten amazing rock bassists of all time.Dennis Donaway from the original Alice Cooper band and the late Gary Thain from Uriah Heep.
Dennis B
June 22, 2015 at 4:46 am
Any collection of “greatest bass players” that doesn’t have James Jamerson at the top of the list is not serious and probably just a popularity contest. Carole Kaye, maybe #2. Everyone else tied for 3rd.
Bob
June 22, 2015 at 4:47 am
Missing Felix Pappalardi, Stu Hamm, Tal Wilkenfeld and Jack Cassidy.
Gene
June 22, 2015 at 4:59 am
Good list, but, come on, you’re putting Flea above Paul McCartney? That’s sacrilege.
Danny P
September 8, 2016 at 6:36 am
As a bassist – yeah. Paul McCartney is a great in the rock world, no doubt, but bass is just what he did because The Beatles needed a bassist.
McCartney has a bigger musical impact, but strictly speaking, Flea is hard to top as a bassist.
Gavin
June 22, 2015 at 5:07 am
Where’s Adam Clayton and Gene Simmons ?
sirwilliamlee
June 22, 2015 at 5:14 am
John McVie
Dan Shea
June 22, 2015 at 5:20 am
Y G T B S M. I’ve been a Professional and Instrucyional Bassist for over fifty years. NFW….
Y G T B S M..LOL
Paul Patrick Martin
June 22, 2015 at 5:32 am
Gerry McAvoy from Rory Gallagher’s band, Dee Murray from Elton John’s band, Rick Richards from The Georgia Satellites – how can you only choose 50? Great to see John Entwistle on top, and Steve Harris too!
George
June 22, 2015 at 5:41 am
No Dusty Hill? Really?
Rusty
June 22, 2015 at 5:41 am
I’m amazed that Mel Schacher from Grand Funk didn’t make the list. He and Geddy Lee were the reasons I learned to play bass!
Roy Morales
June 22, 2015 at 5:54 am
Half of these musicians I’ve never heard play so I’m no expert but I think Graham Maby should be on this list and Bob Babbit too!
Keith Deer
June 22, 2015 at 5:56 am
McCartney is a gifted, performer, writer and multi instrumentalist. But he wasn’t even the best bassist in the Beatles. How is he 40 places better that Donald “Duck” Dunn?
italo colliva
June 22, 2015 at 6:23 am
manca uno splendido tim bogert dei vanilla fudge, cactus,bogert.page.appice, ecc
Dave Summers
June 22, 2015 at 6:27 am
Eddie Macdonald, John Taylor and Adam Clayton to name but three.
RJ
June 22, 2015 at 6:31 am
Bernard Edwards, Larry Graham and James Jamerson are ranked way too low.
Starblind
June 22, 2015 at 6:43 am
You kidding? Steve on 7st position and McCartney on 5? :DDDDD im gonna suicide now ! )
i think some ppl have no idea what Steve doing in IRON MAIDEN ) hes not only bassist hes a poet ) 80% of maiden lyric made by steve ) assholes ! world underestimates what iron maiden made !
Don
June 22, 2015 at 6:59 am
This list is invalid simply because Bill Wyman is on here! Bill Wyman was a horrible player. What about John Lodge of the Moody Blues? Listen to “Story In Your Eyes”. Jerry Penrod is the original bassist of Iron Butterfly and one of the best I ever heard, better than 95% of this list. Listen to “Unconscious Power”.
Chris Sullivan
June 22, 2015 at 7:05 am
Uh, George Porter should be in there. Let’s give some love to Jimmy Smith and Jack Mcduff while we’re at it. They play with their FEET while ripping it up on the organ. There’s scores of jaw dropping TUBA players in New Orleans that deserve some respect. Consider broadening your research next time. Don’t even get me started on CUBAN bass players, but check out Cachaito and cachao fer sure.
Frank Sanger
June 22, 2015 at 7:15 am
No list can be serious without Ron Carter on it at least somewhere. Why not try again asking people who know music. Personally I’d have Ray Brown a lot higher.
Chris
June 22, 2015 at 7:20 am
Paul McCartney? Really? He is a songwriter who happens to play bass. Get real.
alan absalom
June 22, 2015 at 7:28 am
no Garry Thain and no John McVie come on .
John M
June 22, 2015 at 7:31 am
Rev Jones
Gerald Goudie
June 22, 2015 at 7:59 am
Where are James Jameson and Bob Babbit? The Motown original Funk Brothers.
Bob Blunden
June 22, 2015 at 8:06 am
Some on the list are no more than good but great? Where is Jet Harris the guy presented with a bass guitar from Fender for doing more to introduce the bass guitar to the UK and Europe etc than any other musician. Sounds like your judges are a bit insular.
Peter Friberg
July 1, 2016 at 4:12 pm
True! Without Jet Harris there wouldn’t be one single British name on this list!
Stan Alexander
June 22, 2015 at 8:07 am
what- no Tal Wilkenfold!!!’?- and Bill wyman,s in there.., oops!
Lexie
June 22, 2015 at 8:20 am
if Noel Redding was good enough for Jimi Hendrix he’s good enough to be on my list.
David Ruston
June 22, 2015 at 8:23 am
You also missed Willie Weeks. His work with Donny Hathaway (especially D.H. Live!) and Keith Richards is brilliant.
Robert Grant
June 22, 2015 at 8:37 am
surely someone must have heard of Paul Samwell Smith…Noel Redding deserves more notice..anyone heard of Bill Black..rings a rockabilly bell..and Willy Dixon deserves to be higher.
luana
June 22, 2015 at 8:39 am
Patorius only 12??????????????????
Rob
September 8, 2016 at 9:11 pm
Yeah that is outrageous!! Clear #1 in my opinion. Followed by Claypool at #2.
Joe Dreibholz
June 22, 2015 at 8:43 am
Greg Lake is missing,also Dave Pegg (Fairport Convention,Jethro Tull),who called Stanley Clarke a fake. I was there when he did.
luana
June 22, 2015 at 8:48 am
…McCartney 5? before Les Claypool? nnaaaaaaaa
Charl
June 22, 2015 at 9:08 am
List by popularity or talent I’m not sure. Just happy seeing Phil Lynott and Lemmy there.
John H
June 22, 2015 at 9:14 am
It’s a POLL OF POLLS people!!!!!
How many people here are moaning at these guys because their “bassman” is not on the list.
HE’S NOT ON THE LIST BECAUSE HE’S NOT ON ALL THE OTHER LISTS!!!!!
AND IF YOU WANT TO SEE HIM ON THE LISTS THEN GO AND BUY SOME MORE OF HIS BLOODY RECORDS!!!!
Idiots.
luana
June 22, 2015 at 2:23 pm
Oh thank you Master, and excuse us if we are not idiots as your level!
i didn’t know thecnycal know how isn’t a parameter to make a list of best 50 bass players,
otherwise it’s symplier make a list of 50 bassplayers in alphabetical order.
Joe
June 22, 2015 at 9:31 am
No Rick Danko – madness !
dOMINIC pENNACHIO
June 22, 2015 at 10:14 am
Jeff Berlin blows them all away!!! Ridiculous list.
Leca
June 22, 2015 at 11:28 am
This List sucks..
No Glenn Hughes, and Paul McCartney Top 10. That Guy could barely sing and couldn’t play a bassguitar at all…
Peter
June 22, 2015 at 11:29 am
Gary Willis, Rocco Prestia, Federico Malaman, Hadrien Feraud, Henrik Linder, Sharay Reed, Matthew Garrison, Alain Caron, Steve Bailey, Victor Bailey, Tom Kennedy, Felix Pastorius, Anthony Jackson, Damian Erskine, Tetsuo Sakurai etc…
PHILIP ARNOLD
June 22, 2015 at 11:41 am
Without a doubt John Entwisel! Jack Bruce and Greg Lake aren’t far behind. John was never in the limelight, but when he had a 10 – 15 minute solo at one of their gigs everyone’s mind got blown away!
Sjaak
June 22, 2015 at 12:17 pm
Nick Beggs. My favorite!
rémi
June 22, 2015 at 12:26 pm
i think that’s a big joke because when you see flea and steve harris in the top ten and pastorius, marcus miller, graham, bootsy etc..Under thereAnd where are Ron Carter, will lee etc..?
Burl
June 22, 2015 at 12:31 pm
Obviously a popularity contest. And I may be guilty of the same, somewhat. But Abraham Loboriel is not even on the list and probably should be listed at #1. Peter Cetera of the early Chicago recordings and Fielder of BS&T have more technique in their mistakes than the best of most of the ones on this list. Carole Kaye indirectly taught most of these people how to play!
Eric
June 22, 2015 at 12:41 pm
pretty clumsy list.. you have got to be kidding..McCartney ??
show me bass players that want to emulate Entwistle.. = none
show me bass players that want to emulate Jack Bruce = everyone
John H
June 22, 2015 at 1:14 pm
Show me people who don’t read articles properly = you.
Chubbs Brickhaus
September 7, 2015 at 3:05 am
Felix Pappalardi inspired me to pick up the bass.
James Jamerson is the King.
Carol Kaye is the Queen.
Bruce Thomas is my personal fave.
All great players on the list, regardless of ranking.
Anyone who plays bass makes the world a groovier place!
Markp56
June 22, 2015 at 1:06 pm
No Stuart Hamm?!??!?!?!
Aaron Sinwell
June 22, 2015 at 1:30 pm
LES CLAYPOOL could play the music of every other bassist on this. He has also been more innovative than most. He even invented other bass instruments to get more sounds. With all the amazing things he does on the bass, he still somehow manages lead vocals…
Jim B.
June 22, 2015 at 1:30 pm
Where is PETE QUAIFE of The KinKs. Far superior to his peers!
Marion P
June 22, 2015 at 1:45 pm
Personally I thought that Dee Murray was a terrific bass player and Mark King was pretty good to. though not as good as he was.. I didn’t think much of Paul McCartney at all as a bassist, nor as a singer for that matter, I do agree about john Entwistle though he was great.
bob turner
June 22, 2015 at 2:13 pm
Hands down James Jamerson should have been #1. He inspired all these other players . And they will tell you so .
Jeff S
June 22, 2015 at 2:17 pm
Carol Kaye at 35 are you high or insane? One of the truly greats!!
karmik
November 22, 2015 at 4:45 pm
Chuck Rainey didn’t even make this list …………. a studio legend ……….and what about Walter Becker and Freddie Washington of Steely Dan ……..?
Neil
June 22, 2015 at 2:39 pm
What!!!!! Paul McCartney ranks higher than Jaco Pastorius????? Do me a favour, what a load of rubbish!
Jan Nell
June 22, 2015 at 2:40 pm
What about Phil Lynott
Rolf
June 22, 2015 at 2:43 pm
Lists like this will allways be a matter of taste, but I really can`t see how Duff Mckegean can be in it, when John Myung from Dream Theater is not.
Dan Smith
June 22, 2015 at 2:51 pm
Glad to see JJ Burnel up there.
Dave Yassem
June 22, 2015 at 2:54 pm
No George Porter, Jr.? Roger Waters ahead of Charles Mingus and Bootsy Collins? FAIL.
Erik
September 12, 2016 at 7:24 pm
No GPJr is absolutely awful. Same with Jack Casady and Ron Carter. Oteil Burbridge and David Schools….was Willie Weeks on here?
List is atrocious.
Bud Brigman
June 22, 2015 at 2:55 pm
Chris Squire should be MUCH higher. Paul McCartney should be MUCH lower. Take off the Beatle-nostalgia glasses.
Ray
June 22, 2015 at 2:56 pm
How about Tim Bogert from Vanilla Fudge, The Pigeons, Cactus, ‘Beck, Bogert and Appice’.
Maureen lazerus
June 22, 2015 at 3:02 pm
E Streeter Garry Tallent. …..
Maureen Lazerus
June 22, 2015 at 3:06 pm
E Streeter Garry Tallent. …
luis aguilar
June 22, 2015 at 3:42 pm
About Roger Glover from the original loudest band Deep Purple ????
Cliff DiFranco
June 22, 2015 at 3:47 pm
No Greg Ridley???? Better than almost the entire list but never gets any credit!
Nitases
June 22, 2015 at 4:19 pm
Eddie Jackson from queensryche? Steven Santos from Lurid Jester?
guranb
June 22, 2015 at 4:24 pm
Randy Jo Hobbs! Listen to his work on JW and! Outstanding!
KARL CUNLIFFE
June 22, 2015 at 4:33 pm
I think if you asked the majority of still living bassists on the list they would say Entwistle was the best as most of them were highly influenced by him. More importantly than this list is the Bassist of the Milennium which was also won by Entwistle.
You will have to wait a long time before the next one comes around.
Well done once again to The Ox credit were credit is due!
ian shawley
June 22, 2015 at 4:53 pm
What about Larry Taylor, Andy Fraser, Glen Cornick et al.
Nitases
June 22, 2015 at 5:13 pm
So this is just a popularity contest and has no bearing of great bass players. Geddy Lee and Chris Squire can play everything the rest of the guys on the list play. It doesnt matter if i like these two guys or not.
Olivier
June 22, 2015 at 5:29 pm
Miroslav Vitous, David Holland, Rick Lair, John Wetton…
Nahuel
June 22, 2015 at 5:42 pm
i think this two guys must be in the list, the first one is Hugo Fatturuso https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crBHlEorf7I
and the other one is Pedro Aznar https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xKfAjUggeE
creekmud
June 22, 2015 at 5:47 pm
In my humble opinion, Jack Bruce should be higher than No. 8 Ticket to a Waterfall etc.
John Litrenta.
June 22, 2015 at 6:00 pm
Jack Cassady, John McVie and there should be a whole separate list for Jazz bassists.
Sean
June 22, 2015 at 6:31 pm
MIKE GORDON!!!!!!!!
joe
June 22, 2015 at 6:44 pm
what about micheele d’gayochello and rudy sarzo?
Mark D
June 22, 2015 at 6:58 pm
What about Jimmy Lea, Bruce Foxton and even Nile Rogers, all three superb!
Gus
June 22, 2015 at 7:28 pm
Stefan Lessard- DMB should be on the list
valdemar junior
June 22, 2015 at 7:53 pm
Avishai Cohen
Frank
June 22, 2015 at 7:57 pm
I Believe in Bea Miller. So from the heart.
Mark
June 22, 2015 at 8:05 pm
This list was made up by a bunch of white dudes who favor rock….and even then.. no Mike Watt?
Dale Madaczky
June 22, 2015 at 8:16 pm
Tal Wilkenfeld who’s played with Jeff Beck among others is a tremendous young bass player. She can play rings around many of the people on this list.
Ridgy
June 22, 2015 at 8:18 pm
JJ Burnel is probably better than all of them but glad to see him on the list but you forgot Norman Watt Roy of the Blockheads/Wilko Johnson from 1:30 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCIWmldNbyA
Ed
June 22, 2015 at 8:40 pm
Where are…GARY THAIN and JHON WETTON _?
Neil L
June 22, 2015 at 8:55 pm
Firstly, I think perhaps the list should be read as ‘The 50 Greatest Bass players by virtue of their popularity’, With this in mind, Macca is well justified in being where he is, otherwise I would struggle with him being in that position when there are, or have been, many far superior bass players around. My own list would have to include Jack Cassidy, Doug Pinnick, Richard Sinclair, Jonas Reingold, Colin Moulding and Kasim Sulton, and I would have Jack Bruce sharing the No.1 spot with the Ox if possible.
Jeff
June 22, 2015 at 9:19 pm
Boz Burrell
Ridgy
June 22, 2015 at 9:25 pm
No Norman Watt- Roy from the Blockheads? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bb5KHXW48uI
JJ Burnel is up there with the best but probably not best known unless you’re familiar with The Stranglers. Nice to see him make the list but should be way up there!
Batey
June 22, 2015 at 9:42 pm
I had to check my calendar. This reads like an April Fools prank. Sklar, Dunn, East, and Louis Johnson in the bottom 10?!?! Jamerson BARELY makes top 20. Jaco isn’t top 10, much less top 3.
No Bob Babbitt?!?! No Joe Osborne?!?!
“How to Prove You Know Nothing about Influencial Bassists in 50 Easy Steps”
karmik
November 22, 2015 at 5:18 pm
Definitely Joe Osborne ……………. he’s played on more hits than most of these other players combined ………….. Carol Kaye, Chuck Rainey, Herbie Flowers Donald Dunn James Jamerson, Pino Palladino, Tony Levin, Lee Sklar, Bernard Edwards, Will Lee, Larry Knechtel……… these were/are the studio greats that define/d an era of great music………….
Deb
June 22, 2015 at 9:50 pm
I love bass guitar, and have huge respect for all those listed, but Lee Dorman should be on that list as well.
Damian G
June 22, 2015 at 9:55 pm
Mani (Gary Mounfield) from The Stone Roses and Primal Scream should be in there. Written some of the most iconic base lines. I would also have expected Darryl Jones to be in there too. Just sayin…
Masha
June 22, 2015 at 10:38 pm
Matt Osman!!!!!!!!!
Sean B
June 22, 2015 at 10:42 pm
Paul Goddard of the Atlanta Rhythm Section should be in the top ten. Go listen to the bass solo in “Another Man’s Woman” . It’s the best solo in rock history. Also Felix Pappalardi, Jack Casady, Tommy Caldwell, and John Wetton belong on here.
Dave
June 23, 2015 at 12:33 am
What? No Spyder Sinneave? That’s some Bullshit!!!
David Arnspiger
June 23, 2015 at 12:49 am
A list of the best bassists that does not include Michael Been of The Call is not a valid list.
Morgan
June 23, 2015 at 12:50 am
Don’t have enough hours in the day to read all comments, but I don’t see Joey DeMaio from Manowar, nor Niels Henning Ørsted Petersen (NHØP). Different styles, awesome bass players!
Herschel
June 23, 2015 at 1:59 am
You got #1 and 2 correct. The rest of the list needs a serious re-shuffle. Glaring omissions are Jack Casady and Felix Pappalardi (top 10 for me). Very subjective topic. Fun, nonetheless.
Pat
June 23, 2015 at 2:26 am
I think these 3 would put most of them to shame. John Myung from Dream Theater, Billy Sheehan from Steve Vai’s Band, and Stu Hamm.. Who makes up these list?
Breeze
June 23, 2015 at 2:26 am
James Jamerson, Will Lee, Chuck Rainey, …
Bill Zahn
July 1, 2015 at 5:48 am
Breeze, you were the first to mention Chuck Rainey. All of the players say he was an influence. NHOP only came up once and did not see Christian McBride at all. This is not an objective list.
Bruce
June 23, 2015 at 2:46 am
As a bass player of 40 years myself, along the lines of Mel Schacher and Andy Fraser, the late Joe Schermie of Three Dog Night fame was really good. Great bass lines and tone. Will never get the respect he deserves.
Dominic Pennachio
July 9, 2015 at 11:25 pm
Mel is a legend, truly one of a kind. Joe wrote great melodies which I would play on my record player at 45 so I could learn the lines. It was easier to hear at the higher rpm. Never been to Spain and Shambala were particularly melodic.
Augustine
June 23, 2015 at 8:59 am
Derek Forbes for Simple Minds and Peter Hook of Joy Division/New Order are unforgivable omissions. What a farce this list is.
Roger Dale
June 23, 2015 at 9:21 am
John McVie and Mike Fleetwood have often been described as one of the best rhythm sections around – wasn’t all Mick Fleetwood was it? Maybe not top 10 for McVie but definitely top 50.
Mick Noel
July 2, 2015 at 1:51 pm
John McVie, even going back to his early days with John Mayall.
Phil
June 23, 2015 at 10:21 am
Where is jean jacques burnel? Best bass player from the punk era as far as I’m concerned. Fat, heavy riffs that drove the rhythm with no pretentiousness.
Glenn
June 23, 2016 at 12:32 pm
JJ Burnel is there at 46, should be higher of course, but where is Peter Hook? Bill Wyman is outstanding on The Brussels Affair and Lemmy deserves to be there just for his performance on Space Ritual. Where is Overend Watts? Kim Deal?
David Dalton
June 23, 2015 at 10:50 am
You forgot Mani from the Stone Roses and Peter Hook from New Order
Greg Osborne
November 17, 2016 at 7:22 am
Thanks for the Overend “Pete” Watts shout out!
Gabriel
June 23, 2015 at 3:51 pm
where in the hell is mel schacher?
Sandy Green
June 23, 2015 at 11:47 pm
Rocco Prestia.
After reading all the comments, I’m going back to listen to some early Peter Cetera and Carol Kaye.
Steve Loeb
June 23, 2015 at 11:50 pm
Where’s Gregg Lake ? To me Jack Bruce will always the BEST
Billy
June 25, 2015 at 3:49 am
I thought that Jaco might be a little higher and I agree with Cris. I don’t even think Paul should be on the list. He really didn’t even write much for the Beatles. Check out the Lyrics on John’s song about him called, “How do You Live With Yourself.” Also, his Post-Beatle songs were pathetic, like: “The Girl is Mine” (a duet with Michael Jackson) and “You Think People Would Have Had Enough With Silly Little Love Songs” and the list goes on and on—real R&R ha,ha. George and Ringo agreed too and they were right there. I think there music was much better than Paul’s CRAP after they broke up too. Check out the on John’s song about Paul, they’re awesome and true too.I thought that Jaco might be a little higher and I agree with Cris. I don’t even think Paul should be on the list. He really didn’t even write much for the Beatles. Check out the Lyrics on John’s song about him called, “How do You Live With Yourself.” Also, his Post-Beatle songs were pathetic, like: “The Girl is Mine” (a duet with Michael Jackson) and “You Think People Would Have Had Enough With Silly Little Love Songs” and the list goes on and on—real R&R ha,ha. George and Ringo agreed too and they were right there. I think there music was much better than Paul’s CRAP after they broke up too. Check out the on John’s song about Paul, they’re awesome and true too.
jim vierra
June 25, 2015 at 11:28 am
rocco prestia,ralphe Armstrong,will lee……..where are they?
Peter Nielsen
June 25, 2015 at 3:23 pm
Too many really good bass players not on the list. I guess it should have been a Top 100 list instead. I especially miss Felix Pappalardi on this list.
David Ross
June 27, 2015 at 9:26 am
The late Ken Forssi from Love.
Brian
June 29, 2015 at 12:15 am
Jimmy Haslip from the Yellowjackets is outstanding. Right up there with Victor Wooten who I was glad to see on the list.
YirmeYah bar YHVH Barraza
June 29, 2015 at 12:28 am
RIP Chris Squire — died today from cancer … ranked #16 here … w-a-a-a-y too low. 🙁
Eric Wright
June 29, 2015 at 6:54 pm
Ron Carter, is an American jazz double w his appearances on over 2500 albums make him one of the most recorded bassist in jazz history Carter is also an acclaimed
Jessica
June 29, 2015 at 6:58 pm
Overall not a bad list, I would switch Bill Wyman and Paul McCartney though, Wyman was far better and his bass lines on many Stones songs from the 70’s were just damn sexy! Entwistle will always be #1!
Eric Wright
June 29, 2015 at 7:05 pm
Ron Carter, is an American jazz double. His appearances on over 2,500 albums make him one of the most recorded bassist in jazz history. Carter is also an acclaimed cellist who has recorded numerous times on that instrument he was elected to the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame in 2012
Jim Hare
July 1, 2015 at 4:53 pm
These are all great players, I don’t think you could or should put them in an order of best to worst. Some are innovators, some are technically awesome, some are writers and creators of amazing bass, and some are just great influences. If it were me, guys like Billy Sheehan would be farther up the list, but that doesn’t mean he’s more important than Paul, Geezer, or Geddy. I just like the way he writes and plays. It’s ridiculous to say that one guy is better than another if he’s expressing himself though the art of music. There are many I think should be on the list that aren’t, John Taylor, Tommy Shannon, Stuart Ham, Michael Anthony, Rudy Sarzo, John Myung, Dave Larue, Timothy B. Schmidt, Tal Wilkenfold, John McVee, Ross Valory Marco Mendozza, Gene Simmons or Tom (T-bone) Wolk. All of which are deserving to be on the list and that’s just the rock guys.
Al56
July 1, 2015 at 7:20 pm
Y Klaus Voorman, Rick Danko…….
duckman
July 1, 2015 at 7:48 pm
No list as short as 50 is going to include people that others think were left out that should have been included. Nice effort, but Gerry McAvoy certainly belongs in the top 50. Keeping up with Rory Gallagher was not a task for the timid. Mel Schacher of GFR fame. Maybe expand the list to 75 or 100 next time. Might have a better chance to honor more fine musicians. Surely the list must’ve started out at 250 or 300…How do you decide who gets whittled down off the list? Tuff job…
Rob Day
July 1, 2015 at 8:17 pm
No TAL WILKENFELD up there? Must be the top 50 bassists over 50. Seems this a popularity contest not a true reflection of musical abilities.
Ian Fowles
July 1, 2015 at 10:17 pm
Good list but there’s a couple i’d put in they would be Gary Thain and Tal Wilkenfeld
dirk a.
July 2, 2015 at 12:29 am
You forgot Trevor Bolder…. RIP
Mark
July 2, 2015 at 8:17 am
Damn right, what a great bassist!
Jay
July 2, 2015 at 12:42 am
Mike Porcaro or David Hungate anyone.
M
July 2, 2015 at 1:50 am
What about Dennis Dunaway of old Alice Cooper and Gary Thain of Uriah Heep?
Gary
July 2, 2015 at 2:05 am
Hugh Hopper indeed. What about Lee Jackson, John Greaves, Rockette Morton, Janick Top, Richard Sinclair, Bill McCormick, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Trefor Geronwy ? So many missed…
Jmoreno
July 2, 2015 at 4:32 am
I am almost perfectly OK with this list. I would only have icluded Leo Lyons.
Mark
July 2, 2015 at 8:16 am
This is not a list of the best 50 bass players, but a list of ‘famous’ bass players. Where’s Norman Watt Roy? Stefan Lessard? They are both pure masters of their craft and not even listed.
Waymore Lonesome
July 2, 2015 at 10:48 am
Jack Casady, Rob Wasserman, Dave Schools, Rick Danko, Krist Noveselic?
Christina
July 2, 2015 at 11:25 am
No Jonas Hellborg, Percy Jones, Stuart Hamm, Tal Wilkenfeld, or John Patitucci?
Stefan
July 2, 2015 at 11:34 am
Muzz Skillings and Doug Wimbish are bad motherfunkers, and at least one of them should have been on this list. I guess not too many people are fans.
massimo
July 2, 2015 at 11:53 am
John Cale, Jack Casady, Rob Wasserman, do you know this names?
NFL5151
July 2, 2015 at 1:22 pm
Carol Kaye at #35! Some lists rightfully have her at #1. This studio musician brought classical & jazz training to rock, pop & soul bass. She came up with the bass lines & performed on famous hits: the Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations”; the Righteous Brothers’ “You Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” and “Soul and Inspiration”; Sonny and Cher’s “The Beat Goes On” and “I Got You Babe”; Joe Cocker’s “Feelin’ Alright”; and “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” by Simon and Garfunkel. In addition, Kaye has also performed music for TV and film, including the theme for Mission Impossible. Check this out: http://www.laweekly.com/music/carol-kaye-is-the-greatest-bass-player-you-probably-never-heard-of-5499694
Mark
July 2, 2015 at 2:32 pm
Geezer Butler ?
max
July 3, 2015 at 10:26 am
You forgot Mick Karn and Peter Principle – both very unique players….
William Vermillian
July 4, 2015 at 6:16 pm
Freddy Fonebone of Flaming Anus.
Tom E.
July 4, 2015 at 8:42 pm
Just to add my two cents I think Robbie Shakespeare, John G. Perry, Stu Hamm, Frank Fischer, Pekka Pohjola should all be included somewhere on this list.
Jay P
July 4, 2015 at 9:04 pm
This list is bull……. What about Jack Cassidy of Jefferson Airplane , Larry Taylor Of Canned Heat
tom E.
July 4, 2015 at 9:21 pm
Just adding my two cents: I think Pekka Pohjola, John G. Perry, Frank Fischer,Stu Hamm, Robbie Shakespeare, Bill Rea should all be on the list somewhere. And if you haven’t heard of them then you should check them out.
Len Robinson
July 4, 2015 at 10:32 pm
Jack Bruce, Jet Harris (ex Shadows), John Rostill, John Entwistle.
Joe Lac
July 5, 2015 at 1:09 am
Another vote for Graham Maby for inclusion. Go back and listen to Joe Jackson band on I’m The Man and Look Sharp albums. Bass driven, man. And that may not have even been his best work from a very versatile career
Greg Osborne
November 17, 2016 at 7:26 am
Yes! I can listen to that record for the bass alone.
Peter
July 5, 2015 at 6:03 am
How can you miss out John Gustafson. Most top bass players would have him in their top 20!
What about Paul Dean (Jerusalem), one of the innovators of what later became Metal, Doom and Stoner.
Wilson
July 5, 2015 at 11:25 am
Techniquement le meilleur de tous est John myung et il n’est même pas dans la liste! Cette liste craint yen a plein qui mérite pas leur place
Keith Owen
July 5, 2015 at 4:34 pm
Colin Bass of CAMEL would wipe the floor with most of the above.
simon Vernon
July 5, 2015 at 4:35 pm
Dave Pegg from Fairport Convention / Jethro Tull. Fantastic Bass player… not even mentioned
Mike Arsham
July 5, 2015 at 5:01 pm
Milt Hinton was known to his peers and many descendants as “The Dean of Jazz Bassists.”
Mike Arsham
July 5, 2015 at 5:50 pm
You can always nit-pick with a list like this, and this one is not bad, but Israel “Cachao” Lopez was also a huge influence on other musicians in many genres and seems like a major omission
Mike
July 5, 2015 at 7:30 pm
i don´t see Trevor Horn there, is this because he his better producer?
Maximus Ridiculous
July 5, 2015 at 7:34 pm
Where’s Bob Babbitt? This list doesn’t reflect actual playing talent surely.
Sarah Sutherland
July 5, 2015 at 7:46 pm
No Jerry Casale??
Phil
July 6, 2015 at 5:07 am
Glad to see Carol Kaye made the list,but Jack Cassady,Gary Thain and Stu Cook really should be on the list.
Phil
July 6, 2015 at 5:10 am
Jeff Berlin
Dobie
July 8, 2015 at 3:10 am
Tommy Shannon is not to shabby either. Played behind some fast ass guitar players.
Adrian
July 8, 2015 at 10:19 am
I have always been a big fan of bass players and when I say this listing I had to go down the list. I was starting get worried when I didn’t see John Entwistle untill … number 1! He is the most fantastic bass player I have ever seen – Quadraphenia plays in my head when I hear his name. Some real greats on here: Mingus, East, Lee, Miller, McCartney, Bruce…. I have to agree with earlier remarks regarding Jack Casady. I have seen him play in each decade since the 1970s and I am always impressed and disappointed with him not making this Top 50. (I’ll throw in a plug for Dave Holland and Christian McBride.) Good list – great bass players!
Solid E
July 9, 2015 at 3:26 am
How about Will Lee, Willie Weeks, James Dewar, Marvin Isley, Larry Graham, John McVie, Ron Carter, Billy Cox.
JC Left
July 9, 2015 at 7:04 am
Did anyone mention Colin Hodgkinson??
Flavius
July 9, 2015 at 3:48 pm
Faltou o saudoso Gary Than(ex-Uriah Heep); o baixista do Grand Funk Railroad; o baixista e vocalista da banda Robin Trower; entre outros
steve
July 9, 2015 at 6:24 pm
Hmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!
Too many.
AND
Should be by music category IE: the absence of Nathan East (Fourplay) shows that it is not a fair list baed on ability. Where Jimmy Haslip or anybody who’s good enough to play with Robben Ford or Larry carlton probably the 2 most skilled players in the world.
Entwistle at #1 ROCK bass player I wouldn’t disagree with but ardent Chris Squire fans (I am one) might.
So for example how about
Top 30 Jazz players
Top 30 Hard Rock
” Prog Rock
” Pop
” Blues
etc.
Now you have a fair comparison based o actual ability vs popularity and avoid all the stupid venting and opinions on here that nobody cares about.
You can’t compare Nathan East to John Entwistle or Paul McCartney but you can to Jaco Pastorius
Nuff Said11111
Mike V
July 9, 2015 at 8:22 pm
where is Glen Cornick…base player Jethro Tull recently passed away .. Rest in piece cd Glen
Greg P
July 9, 2015 at 10:57 pm
What.. No Mention of the Bong rattlin’ bass of Mel Shacher (GFR)? The most famous of all bass players (as mentioned by Homer Simpson himself)
Dominic Pennachio
July 9, 2015 at 11:27 pm
No Jeff Berlin? He’s better than all of them!!
H Nicholson
July 12, 2015 at 6:21 pm
What???? Jack Casady should be near the top!!!
Jim h
July 12, 2015 at 7:17 pm
how about Dusty Hill of ZZ Top?
Ernie V
July 12, 2015 at 8:49 pm
John Myung?? Hello?? Chris Squire is rated too low, and McCartney and Burton do not belong in the Top 10, in my humble opinion.
Ernie V
July 12, 2015 at 8:56 pm
And Geezer Butler #11?? Just past Jaco?? If we are gonna be ridiculous, we might as well put Danny Partridge in here as well!!
Ernie V
July 12, 2015 at 8:52 pm
Any Geezer Butler #11?? Just past Jaco?? Really?? Might as well have Gene Simmons in there if we are gonna be ridiculous about this whole thing!!
glyn420
July 12, 2015 at 10:10 pm
Larry Taylor of Canned Heat and John Mayall
glyn420
July 12, 2015 at 10:10 pm
Larry Taylor of Canned Heat and John Mayall
J-Rock
July 12, 2015 at 11:37 pm
What a bullshit popularity contest. There are certainly more than 50 bass players out there better than Kim Gordon, Les Claypool is miles better than Paul McCartney and John Paul Jones and John Entwistle. Every list of greatest musicians is always limited to the few big rock players that these ignorant writers are aware of. What about jazz bassists? Jaco Pastorius and Stanley Clarke could run circles around any of the top 10, same with Mingus, Dave Holland, Ron Carter, Scott Lafaro, etc.
pat
July 13, 2015 at 5:51 am
This list is just crazy. Billy Sheehen should be in the top 5. Also John Myung from Dream Theater should be top 5. McCartney not that great. Half of these so called great bass players played in good bands that does not make them great. Also Larry Taylor from Canned Heat listen to the Refried Boogie Tune.
Rex
July 13, 2015 at 8:22 am
Nigel John Taylor of Duran Duran gets no love at all?
4strings4music
July 13, 2015 at 2:47 pm
I had a lot of fun looking at the list. Well, well, well… What are the criteria ? The haircut, the sound, the bass guitars brands ?! Definitely not music, or not only. The sequence, not to mention the absents, is so ridiculous. I’m wondering if the people who voted have the slightest idea of what’s corresponding to the bass traclk when they listen to a record…
Again : very funny, thanks a lot !
Chris
July 13, 2015 at 2:49 pm
hmmm…how can you quantify sound It’s subjective so who’s to say who’s best we are talking about, your favorites my favorites..Steve down the streets favorirte? But you could certainly quantify this list according to success which would mean Paul McCartney would be #1, prob Sting #2, Adam Clayton #3, Flea #4 and so on. I like Oteil and Victor wooten, Steve Bailey is quite awesome but thats me. 🙂 These list suck!
Doug
July 13, 2015 at 4:48 pm
The late Chris Squires should have been a top 5 selection, top 10- at worst. He was the driving force behind Yes, that made them the prog rock stars they became. Like others, I too think that Greg Lake and John Wetton should have made the list. Someone from the smooth urban jazz genre that should have mad the list is the late great NBA star Wayman Tisdale. I saw him live, and was a real master on the bass.
Hugh Gerrard
July 13, 2015 at 8:48 pm
When you don’t include Abraham Laboriel in a top 50 Bass Players list you are a joke that isn’t funny.
Nicholas Cressotti
July 14, 2015 at 4:37 am
This list is a joke. No Walter Page, Slam Stewart, or Jimmy Blanton? No Bakithi Kumalo or Chuck Rainey or David Hood?!? I’m not saying all the people on this list aren’t wonderful bass players, I’m just saying some of them are definitely not on my list of the 50 greatest!! What about new guys like Hadrien Feraud or greats like John Pattitucci???!? This is a joke.
john fee
July 15, 2015 at 2:46 pm
John Taylor of Duran Duran is better than most of 11 thru 50. Both innovative and precise he is a glaring oversite. Just listen to Rio.
Cormael Lia
July 24, 2015 at 6:29 pm
now we’re talking … John Taylor my favorite no 1 bass player … the Rio bass lines are the best i ever came across!
Dejan
July 22, 2015 at 10:40 am
Jeff Berlin? Neil Murray? John Wetton? David Paton? Bob Daisley? Rudy Sarzo? Sauveur Mallia? etc…..
brian clatworthy
July 22, 2015 at 3:19 pm
i think Larry the mole taylor of canned heat and other groups should of been on the list
mike
July 23, 2015 at 7:17 pm
the top 5 cat touch Phil Leah let alone Ray Brown
Cormael Lia
July 24, 2015 at 6:31 pm
John Taylor of Duran Duran … just leave the DD hysteria out and listen to a genuine solid and awesome bassist! Rio are the best bass lines I ever came across!
Charles
July 30, 2015 at 9:38 pm
Why is mostly rock? What about the great Bernard Edwards of Chic, Mark Adams of Slave? The list is composed of just super famous and frontmen.
Charles
July 30, 2015 at 9:39 pm
I guess I’m blind…Bernard is on the list!! yay!
Steeler Bob
August 12, 2015 at 6:10 am
Obviously, a list of 50 all time great
bassists requires 52 slots!
Therefore a will add Felix Papalardi
and at NUMBER ONE…
DRUM ROLL PLEASE………………………….
MR. JACK CASADY.
Paul Gardner
August 20, 2015 at 10:51 am
What about Steve Rodby or Richard Bona? Both played with Pat Metheny at various times.
Wajd
August 20, 2015 at 11:02 am
If it’s a list of bass-guitar players, why mixing between great bassists and great musicians???
Roger Waters is a great musician, a good bass player but not a phenomenal one to be in the 13th place just after Jaco Pastorius and above bassists like Tony Levin and Billy Sheehan … and why Roger Glover is always underrated???
Where is Glenn Hughes???
Who make these lists??? 😛
Marge
August 20, 2015 at 11:09 am
uh, Mel Schacher & Noel Redding
Flamauti
August 20, 2015 at 11:25 am
Not Palladino! Please! This guys surely can play anything. But soulless. I saw him twice with the Who and he really sucks!
Marks
August 20, 2015 at 11:36 am
Matt Freeman ???
david
August 20, 2015 at 1:31 pm
Has nobody else found or listened to TAL WILKENFELD, she is an awesome BASS PLAYER ( ask Jeff Beck ) and not on your list.. Therefore your list is very incomplete.. David
andres
August 20, 2015 at 3:09 pm
Wrong again.The best 3 bass players Paul mac Cartney Chris Squire JohnEntwistle and special mention Jack bruce
Alex
August 20, 2015 at 3:11 pm
i didnt see Justin Chancellor o this list.
A
August 20, 2015 at 3:43 pm
Patrick Djivas from PFM? Ray Shulman from Gentle Giant? Zia Geelani from Ozric Tentacles? And ROGER WATERS made the list??? One of the least talented bass players ever!
Liuzhou
August 20, 2015 at 3:58 pm
Danny Thompson
Mauricio
August 20, 2015 at 4:11 pm
Haahahaha Roger Waters better than Charles Mingus hauahauhauhauahauhauhaa!!!!! Jokers…
dakmitch
August 20, 2015 at 4:12 pm
I know this is just me being picky, but I would put Claypool number 2, his creativity and mastery of all things bass make it simple. He shreds any strings you put in his hands.
Michael
August 20, 2015 at 6:04 pm
Mark L. Adams (The Hansolor) from Slave was not mentioned
Paul Day
August 20, 2015 at 6:17 pm
Everyone posting wants their favourite on the list, which contains great technicians and great innovators. There’s no point arguing about the names, only the order and the omissions. For me, the great innovator and extraordinary technician who is missing is the wonderful Colin Hodgkinson-look him up, lie back and listen…..
Lee
August 21, 2015 at 12:26 am
Chris Squire (R.I.P.) at #16 is an absolute CRIME! Top 10, at least.
Jim Cavanaugh
August 21, 2015 at 1:52 am
Any list is incomplete without Jon Camp from Renaissance He might be #1. Chris Squire is easily top five. Paul McCartney #7? Please
Jim C
August 21, 2015 at 2:10 am
Chris Squire is top 5 easy. Jon Camp from Renaissance not even on the list? Ridiculous. He is top 5 and incredible. Paul McCartney number 5 is laughable. Otherwise the list is good.
Cameron Hood
August 21, 2015 at 2:27 am
No Abraham Laboriel are you serious???!!!???
Me
August 21, 2015 at 3:05 am
What, no the kid from the Partridge family, wah, wah, get over it, it is JUST a list!
Dave Lawrence
August 21, 2015 at 3:12 am
you guys ever hear of Ron Carter?
Joel Gelfand
August 21, 2015 at 9:45 am
There are no “best” just favorites. For me it’s a tie for 1st: Paul McCartney, Jack Bruce, John Entwistle, Felix Papilardi, Jack Cassidy, and Greg Lake.
Mason Lee
August 22, 2015 at 3:34 pm
Felix Pappalardi and Greg Lake!
Mason Lee
August 22, 2015 at 3:34 pm
Felix Pappalardi and Greg Lake!
Mason Lee
August 22, 2015 at 3:34 pm
Felix Pappalardi and Greg Lake!
Bacon
August 22, 2015 at 12:13 pm
I think i am going to have a heart attack….JUSTIN CHANCELLOR!!!!!!
Edvard Mun
August 22, 2015 at 3:47 pm
I’m not a musician, just a avid rock consumer of 40+ years. My criteria is not as studied as many of the responses, just probably just fandom that guides me.
First, I loved watching and listening to Chris Squire play, have all of Yes and his solo on vinyl.
Tony Levin has intrigued me from the earliest King Crimson and Peter Gabriel days.
Being a forever Kinks fan, Pete Quaife, was a favorite though he was only on the earliest albums.
Greg Ridley’s Spooky Tooth contributions all appreciated.
Dickie Peterson of Blue Cheer caught my ear early on, e.g., Saturday Freedom. Here’s what Neil Peart said about him: “Dickie Peterson was present at the creation — stood at the roaring heart of the creation, a primal scream through wild hair, bass hung low, in an aural apocalypse of defiant energy. His music left deafening echoes in a thousand other bands in the following decades, thrilling some, angering others, and disturbing everything — like art is supposed to do.”
Mark Andes’ work with Spirit plus several other bands stands out in my ear.
Did I ever love Ian Dury and the Blockheads and Norman Watt Roy was half the reason.
Lee Dorman of Iron Butterfly’s In-A-Gadda (side one), Ball, and Metamorphosis albums are good early examples. Plus his Captain Beyond career.
Jack Bruce’s Crossroads will make you a believer.
Love the John McVie/Mick Fleetwood axis.
Not my favorite Floyd, but Roger Waters’ Money stands the test of time.
Honorable Bassist Award: Ray Manzarek of The Doors
mk
August 22, 2015 at 4:18 pm
Jaco should be much higher on the list. He was an innovator before many of these guys.
Ian Myers
August 22, 2015 at 5:42 pm
No Matt Freeman? Major oversight there!
Limpi
August 22, 2015 at 9:23 pm
John Paul Jones 2nd????
Paul McCartney 5th?????
While ranking Jaco Pastorius 12th????????
Is it a list of the greatest bass players or it is “just” about fame and being known?
To learn to play The Beatles song’s bass correctly from zero would take weeks.
Led Zeppelin? Months.
Cream? Years.
Weather Report? Decades. If you’re very talented. With average talent, centuries.
Do you think I am wrong? Prove it!!!
Mark
August 24, 2015 at 11:44 am
LES CLAYPOOL NO QUESTION !!!
Just listen to his playing most of the other bassists could not not even attempt Tommy the Cat or Jerry was a race car driver
Eddy
August 24, 2015 at 11:59 am
This list is bull !
Paul Mc plays with a plectrum : is NO real bass player !
One of the best is not mentioned : JOHN MYUNG from Dream Theater is a virtuoso !
Don Miata
August 25, 2015 at 12:13 pm
not necessarily in that order, if you ask me, ranking them suggest that one is better than the other and sometimes that will be the case but by far not always, its also a matter of taste, prefered music style, many people pick the bassplayer of their favorite band, good or not, but overal im more happy with this list
Don Miata
August 25, 2015 at 12:14 pm
not necessarily in that order, if you ask me, ranking them suggest that one is better than the other and sometimes that will be the case but by far not always, its also a matter of taste, prefered music style, many people pick the bassplayer of their favorite band, good or not, but overal im more happy with this list, sincerely Don.Miata
Datta
August 25, 2015 at 2:57 pm
Leaving Ron Carter off the list is denying a significant portion of Jazz History.
Loved the depth of many of the comments, going to have to buy some more music-very informative.
One amazing player I didn’t see mentioned anywhere was Benny Reitveld, virtuoso Cuban bassist and arranger who played with Santana.
ronny
August 25, 2015 at 8:13 pm
Pete Quaife (Kinks-60’s)- Andy Fraser (Free)- Tal Wilkenfeld – Rinus Gerritsen (Golden Earring) – George Woosey (The Pretty Things )
Don Weisman
August 29, 2015 at 3:51 am
Graham Maby…and Garry Tallent is underrated. He performs to the needs of his Boss’ songs, not standing out, but filling his role in a very professional band.
David L
September 6, 2015 at 3:38 pm
Tony Levin should be higher on the list , as should be Chris Squire. Entwistle as # 1 is a fair choice.
Mike
September 6, 2015 at 3:44 pm
the list claims to include jazz musicians, but they really aren’t adequately represented. and no Charlie Haden is a travesty
Johnny Bacardi
September 6, 2015 at 11:47 pm
No Klaus Voormann? No Danny Thompson? INVALID LIST.
Rory
September 23, 2015 at 6:36 pm
One thing most of these players, especially many in the top ten have in common is they don’t stay bound to what some fans and musicians think bassists should do. I have been a bass player for about 30 years and over the last 5 or 6 years re examined how I was playing and made some changes. One change was running through a couple of effects units. I currently play with a guitarist and drummer in an all originals group and often use cello sounds, delay, overdrive, whah and the like and we feel that makes us sound different than many of the bands we play with locally. In other words do something different and you will make a mark.
rsully
September 24, 2015 at 7:59 am
only one bassist that could keep up with alvin lee’s reverse zin riffs. check it out on you tube concert play backs. then decide for yourself who is a real bassist.
Charles Thompson
September 29, 2015 at 4:24 pm
What a ridiculous effing list. Maybe for rock enthusiast this list is true but greatest.. this is a plainly biased list. Larry Graham at 26th!!! Victor is heads above every one else in your top 10 except Claypool. Paul Jackson (HeadHunters) isn’t even on your list. Louis Johnson at 43rd. This list is wacked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sandra
September 29, 2015 at 6:36 pm
No John McVie or Kim Deal??? And Geddy Lee should be higher.
K Jackson
October 1, 2015 at 7:21 am
You can’t leave off Mark Adams,he had a style of his owm!
John Michlik
October 16, 2015 at 11:19 pm
When I was a seventh grader in the fall of ’66, I started playing bass by copying anyone and everyone. Sir Paul was probably my most influential teacher. Besides him, Motown’s James Jamerson…Bob Mosely of Moby Grape played very beautiful, almost orchestral, bass lines…Jack Casady…Jack Bruce (obviously)…John Paul Jones, for power. As I got older I really came to admire Lee Sklar and John McVie for their solid few-frills bottom end. There are sooooo many good ones, and each one has their gifts: Michael Anthony, Flea, Bill Leen of the Gin Blossoms, John Lodge, Fran Sheehan, Ross Valory, Geddy Lee. I could be here all day 🙂 I’m thankful for each of them, and all the other unsung heroes of bass.
Kitty Galore
October 16, 2015 at 11:31 pm
Duck Dunn is far too close to the bottom of the list. And Roger Waters at #13? Looks more like a list on how popular the band is, not the quality of the player.
Greg
October 17, 2015 at 1:57 am
Dude what the ever loving fuck! Peter Steele didn’t make this list?! What a bunch of fucktards!
Kevin McDonough
October 17, 2015 at 3:22 am
I agree with the number 1 choice. John Entwhistle was the best bass player, ever. I believe that the number 2 choice, however should have been Jack Bruce. Donald ” Duck” Dunn should have been number 3. Paul McCartney was a great bass player, but as much as I respect him, I felt he was placed a bit high on the list, as far a bass player performance goes.
john j macdonald
October 18, 2015 at 1:55 pm
Nice selection and good scope of diversity from Ray Brown to Tina Weymouth for example but how could you overlook Snarky Puppy’s Michael League?
Send hobgood
October 18, 2015 at 2:34 pm
Three words: George Porter ….. Meters!
Josephine
October 18, 2015 at 2:53 pm
And why is Mark Stoemer of the Killers not on this list? he is a superb bassist, listen to his base solo at the end of” Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine”, he is consistenly ace on a Killers tracks.
Garrett Jennings
October 18, 2015 at 5:01 pm
Here are the Top 200 Songs of The Who including the Top 50 by John Alec Entwistle (The Ox) – http://supergroup.netfirms.com/index5.htm
Marco Antonio De La Cruz Lopez
October 18, 2015 at 6:57 pm
as always in your liste forget more than a thousand great bass players , and the 40 is too small and the ones aren´t all : Greg Lake , Mel Sacher, Tony Stevens, Roger Glover, Geezer Butler, Rick Grech, Leo Lyons,……the list continues
Mark
October 19, 2015 at 1:47 am
Pete Way (who influenced #7 Steve Harris) and David Ellefson of Megadeth should have been included.
Eddie Grady
October 19, 2015 at 5:09 pm
I’m sorry, but is this list the work of a complete lunatic?? I’m assuming so; James Jamerson, who virtually single-handedly INVENTED the concept of melodic bassline in pop music at 19?? Jaco Pastorius, who turned the instrument on its head and completely reinvented its use at number 12? No mention of Bob Babbitt whatsoever, no Chuck Rainey, no Anthony Jackson, no Abraham Laboriel, no Freddie Washington, no Andy Rourke, no Mick Karn, I could go on and on….
I’m sorry, but any Top 50 list of bass players that has Flea in the top 3 has absolutely ZERO credibility!!
Wil Golja
July 5, 2019 at 3:50 am
I can’t believe Mick was left out (although most new-wavers are) but I’m pretty sure Chuck was on this list. Glad he was because he’s a beast
Roger Anderson
October 19, 2015 at 5:56 pm
Mel Schacher . One of the best .
Warren Zoell
October 19, 2015 at 9:53 pm
Actually if the truth be known Jaco was the best.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TesEEKKAD3Y
Rodolfo
October 20, 2015 at 12:21 am
I miss Greg Ridley (Spooky Tooth, Humble Pie), Percy Jones (Brand X), Ronnie Lane (Faces), Jeff Berlin (Bruford)…
Chas Setterfield
October 20, 2015 at 4:54 am
Definitely Percy Jones ( Brand X ).
Where would Walk on the Wild Side be without Herbie Flowers?
John
October 20, 2015 at 1:39 pm
No Lee Sklar? And Mike Rutherford only 48…you have seriously underestimated him, top 5 in my book along with Chris Squire.
Feasting.with.Panthers
October 20, 2015 at 2:53 pm
James Jamerson simply the best. Most of the others are simply following the trail blazed by Jamerson. Listen to “Bernadette” or his many bass lines for Motown – lines written on the spot, every verse a little different. Lying on the floor of the studio at 3am – too drunk to sit on his stool – to record “What’s Going On”. Jamerson!!!
Bet most of you are unaware of the founding father of bass & his losing battle with alcohol.
#19…an insult.
maurizio
October 20, 2015 at 10:03 pm
Lemmy nr. 20 ???? are you out of your minds? He shouldn´t be in the list…
And Jaco should be # 1 all the time, he was the Hendrix of electric bass !!!!
Dr DAVE L
October 21, 2015 at 5:23 am
This list is ridiculous! Paul McCartney in the top rungs-NAH! Entwistle- Top?-NAH. These two would have to queue up for Bass lessons from Jaco, Mark King, Mel Scacher(GFR) and Geddy!
While each of us,especially those who play the Bass have their preferences in the style of music,there must be some MINIMUM standards to fulfill to enter this list.Many have more than done that, and still cannot find a place here.Others who may not be fit enough to be even called bassists,enjoy pole positions.I will not throw names-My favs can teach the likes of McCartney how to HOLD a bass guitar.One great consideration has been missed: Has anybody given due thought to Bassists who were their bands VOCALISTS ? These will SURELY be the true greats- So Geddy Lee, Mark King, Phil Lynnot(the late) etc will come out tops,while Paul McCartney can find some consolation being way down in this list(included because of his fabulous singing and voice only).
Dr DAVE L
October 21, 2015 at 5:39 am
I have just committed the greatest sin— I have failed to place THE LATE GREAT JACK BRUCE, as one of the best,if not the best Bassist/ Vocalists of all time in the above mentioned list. And yet he struggles to hold down a place in the mid reaches! There are too many great ones left out to mention here.Lets take this list for face value and easy reading and continue to love and listen to our own favourites! Long live the Bassist- – often called the “wife ” of the band- when she’s there,nobody bothers- when she’s not ,watch what happens!!!!!!!!!
Croatia
October 21, 2015 at 9:52 am
Joey DeMaio
Steve Higgins
October 22, 2015 at 1:15 am
Interesting that Gary Thain is missing
Chas Setterfield
October 23, 2015 at 1:12 pm
Reggae, now there’s a medium driven by bass & rhythm section. Aston Barrett, but no Robbie Shakespeare?
Zappa: Always had bands made up from the creme de la creme of musicians, but not always the flashiest. So, how about Scott Thunes, Arthur Barrow….?
Jon
November 2, 2015 at 10:07 am
Billy Sheehan – No.22? – You cannot be serious – This guy could play the ass off most of the higher listed players – He is in a league of his own with string bending, 2 handed tapping etc etc – I mean, Lemmy at 20 – Like the material, but he’s no great bass legend!
Alan Harris Kurzer
November 3, 2015 at 3:04 pm
Ray Shulman(Gentle Giant),Paul Samwell Smith(Yardbirds),Andy Fraser(Free), Billy Cox(Jimi Hendrix)Andy West(Dregs),Lonnie Turner(Steve Miller),Ralphe Armstrong(Jean Luc Ponty)….
Tony
December 3, 2015 at 10:15 am
What! Really no Mick Karn. The guy was incredible. He could make a fretless talk. Self taught genius!
Wil Golja
July 5, 2019 at 3:51 am
yep… unbelievable
Andy
December 3, 2015 at 3:35 pm
Tim Dahl.
Ingvar Hellsing
December 6, 2015 at 4:07 am
Jet Harris is one of the greatest of all time …
pangky
December 21, 2015 at 6:36 pm
Wow, cool. 50 best bassist . but for me steve harris remain no.1
Mike
December 28, 2015 at 2:22 pm
No Kasim Sulton, and Roger Waters at 13, who makes up this stuff?
Zawinul
January 1, 2016 at 10:48 pm
Once again the “best of in any category” is so subjective why do people start this shit it proves nothing and what are you basing this on popularity, education, talent, creativity, or limited knowledge on your part? their are so many artists you have not heard of and it shows by not including them.
Norberto
January 3, 2016 at 3:04 am
Bullshit!
Only American and English people are Musicians all around the world!
And one Canadian. Gimme a break!
Norberto
January 3, 2016 at 3:06 am
Phill Linot was an Irish man!
pj
January 13, 2016 at 11:03 pm
Verdine White is not only ‘The Best and BADEST Bass Player’ he is also a the ‘CONSUMMATE ENTERTAINER’. CHECK OUT HIS FB PAGE AND LIKE IT……
https://www.facebook.com/OfficialVerdineWhite/?fref=ts
Mike
January 14, 2016 at 3:58 pm
I’m amazed at the lack of knowledge regarding Paul McCartney’s innovative and pioneering bass playing. Without Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf and Buddy Guy, Clapton and Page would just be a couple of guitar players. You have to have lived thru the 60’s to recognize the impact McCartney had on all the other bass players behind him. You cannot judge him by today’s players, because without him, all the others would be buried low in the mix, melding with the drums. There was no other rock bass player doing what McCartney was doing at the time. That’s called innovation. Just listen to two Beatles songs: Paperback Writer and Rain. Turn up the bass. For a good essay on his career see http://abbeyrd.best.vwh.net/paulbass.htm
joe
January 22, 2016 at 4:37 pm
Danyel Morgan – formerly of Robert Randolph and the Family Band.
Darryl
February 5, 2016 at 5:20 am
Dudes,
This is a tough and subjective list to comprise, but I had to throw in to this. First OF all I agree Mel from Grand Funk,( a band that doesn’t get the props they deserve), should be up here. I believe these 5 guys should be top 25:
Dave Allen Gang of Four – Crazy funky driving bass. “Entertainment”
Wilbur Bascomb – Session man. Jeff Beck “Wired”
Robert Trujillo – Great dexterity. Metallica, Suicidal Tendencies
Ron Carter – Jazz great. John Coltrane and Miles Davis and many others.
Major Holley. A guy you don’t hear much about. Jazz bassist. Great with the bow on the double bass, (scats to the notes). “Mule” Listen to the song “Angel Eyes” the ending in particular is AWSOME.
Darryl
February 5, 2016 at 5:32 am
Mike,
you’re on point about McCartney getting the bass sound up front early in the game. Great songs Paperback Writer and Rain displaying signature McCartney technique and sound. To that add “The Word”, “And Your Bird Can Sing”, and the his masterpiece of the style “TAXMAN”.
Randy Dannenfelser
February 6, 2016 at 1:53 am
How in the world could you possibly have omitted Ronnie Baker?
Dave Craggs
February 23, 2016 at 9:29 am
What about the Queen of Rock SUZI QUATRO!!!! What she can’t do with a Bass Guitar
Jedubass
March 31, 2016 at 12:22 pm
How could Jaco not be amongst the top ten? He should be number 1. Really! He’s done some much for the bass world. Where is Stanley, where is Richard Bona, Where is Talk Wikinfield? where is Bootsy?
What kinda list is this?
George Macdonald
April 6, 2016 at 4:33 am
Charlie Mingus was the greatest ever,next me of course!!
Clive Ojiveojive
April 14, 2016 at 3:15 pm
Gail Ann Dorsey – go look.
erika
April 27, 2016 at 3:55 pm
idiot list
this is a so called someone ‘s personal music taste
Dave
May 5, 2016 at 4:40 am
Jon Camp from the 70’s Prog Rock band Renaissance should be on this list. The band, like many Prog bands of that era, the songs were long 10+minutes long, and was all about the keyboards and singer, but Bass was the lead string, guitar was just background rhythm. Few bands had a Bass player as the integral string melody.
Listen to the first few songs (20 minutes) from this 1976 youtube concert. You can see how prominent his playing is; Outside of the angelic voiced Annie Haslem, Jon Camp is the only other player out front. Few Bass players work that hard on the frets and are that melodic. That type of playing is typical throughout the concert. Especially watch the 25+ minute “Ashes are Burning” starting at the 1:18:00 mark, where Jon Camp does a duet with John Tout’s Piano before breaking out in an extended bass solo at about 1:29:00 and plays the bass like a guitar.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onFiCvB2GOs
Nuvo
May 30, 2016 at 9:46 am
Hahahaha you can tell this list was made by a white guy,Flea number 3 lolol my ass James Jameson not on top 10 ? Jaco not in top 10 ? you should have made this best rock n roll bass players of all time.Cause you excluded Mingus,Bernard Edwards,Pino Paladino and a few others.And James Jameson played on 37 number one albums nobody else gets close to this accept maybe Sir Paul McCartney !! Not a good list at all.
Daddy Dave
May 31, 2016 at 5:16 pm
Tina Weymouth? You’ve got to be kidding. I remember thinking when I first saw the Talking Heads that she was lucky to have friends who cared enough to be patient with her boring lines. She’s the luckiest girl in the world.
tmcg
November 15, 2016 at 3:30 pm
Weymouth is pretty funky. Goes good with the sound of the band. I really love the bass lines. When they went increasingly world music it went even better. Boring I don’t get from it. She’s nice and loud and consistent too, it really adds the music.
peter chrisp
June 9, 2016 at 12:26 pm
I have a couple more but as you suggest i guess they are not in the same ball park with the ones that have been listed above, but the bands that they were i consider legendary if not for their bass playing we have Free, Robin Trower, & Grand Funk, Andy Fraser & James Dewar & Mel Schacher
rainman
June 23, 2016 at 2:58 pm
I love, love, love Kim Gordon and Tina Weymouth but neither of these ladies belongs on this list of top 200 bassists let alone top 50.
PETER CUSICK
June 23, 2016 at 3:33 pm
OK .. WHERE ARE MICHEAL ANTHONY (VAN HALEN) AND GENE SIMMONS (KISS) ?????
dc
June 23, 2016 at 4:18 pm
NO ???? John McVie He should had been top ten , play strong go back and listen
John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers (1965–1967)
peter green -Fleetwood Mac (1967
Darrell Guessford
June 24, 2016 at 3:07 am
No Ron Carter or Jack Casady? A flawed list in my opinion.
Southbayrik
June 24, 2016 at 4:37 am
The list is missing Alphonso Johnson and Mike Watt.
joseph kirley
June 24, 2016 at 5:01 pm
What about the bombastic bass playing on what I consider to be one of the most energetic live albums ever, Grand Funk Live Album, witch features Mel Schacher on bass? I consider him to be severely over looked!
JR
June 25, 2016 at 11:56 pm
No Keith Ferguson? Not completely legit list. Duck Dunn near 50? And you have Duff (G n R) in the top 20? Please. I guess it all depends on what the individual wants in music, and what they actually hear.
Saw4fire
June 26, 2016 at 2:27 am
Yeah, Jack Casady should not only be on the list, but should be very high on the list.
Most of the players on the list would rate Jaco Pastorius at the top of the list. He changed how the instrument was played, just as Hendrix changed how the guitar was played.
Two more missing names: Tal Wilkenfeld and Charlie Wooten.
Another Jerry
June 26, 2016 at 10:49 am
Andy Fraser, Greg Ridley…but without doubt the biggest omission is Peter Hook from New Order. The list may be American, but surely he has some exposure over there?
Jah Wobble is worth a mention also.
Glenn
June 26, 2016 at 2:04 pm
Another bullshit list based upon what, if you are going create such lists lets base it on criteria that people can put a score to.. PAul Mccartney a great bass player … hardly
Patrick Longworth
June 26, 2016 at 7:27 pm
I admit I am not as familiar with bass players as I am with lead guitarists, even with my favorite band Survivor. Jack Bruce I am familiar with and generally I’ve been impressed with what little Cream I have heard. As for the Beatles, I am not so sure about the effect of the bass on the music. During his solo career, did/does McCartney still play the bass guitar or did/does he play lead for his songs, I wonder?
heavyhry
June 30, 2016 at 7:42 pm
Flea??No way.Not in the best 100 either.Chris Squire is the best one followed by Paul Mac Cartney.
Jaydog
June 30, 2016 at 7:52 pm
LARRY GRAHAM @26????
Dave
July 3, 2016 at 8:11 pm
Chris Squire, Jaco pastorius, Charles Mingus, Ray brown, and James jammers should be in the top ten. They would totally shred many of the rock players listed. Another bass player you might have missed because the genre he plays – gospel music – Abraham Laboriel. Check him out. he is a killer bass player, endlessly inventive, driving,and creates killer sophisticated grooves.
Dave
August 7, 2016 at 6:24 pm
I meant James Jammerson. Spellcheck does NOT know bass players!
cworsf
July 7, 2016 at 6:33 pm
Leo Lyons from Ten Years After should be on the damn list!
Martin Johansson
July 12, 2016 at 2:05 pm
I would say that Abraham “Abe” Laboriel is missing
Matt
July 12, 2016 at 5:46 pm
Might want to consider flipping Bernard Edwards of CHIC with Flea. Edwards is worthy of the top spot, actually. Good call on Steve Harris… he is the driving force behind the true Gods of metal music.
parnell-marco laporte
July 25, 2016 at 3:34 am
Where are those names ?
RON CORTER
ALPHONSO JOHNSON … ETC.
I DO BELEINE THAT YOU MAY MAKE AN OTHER LIST .
Neal
August 12, 2016 at 2:35 pm
Absolutely agree about Ron Carter, what an inventive bassist!
Dan Kibler
August 2, 2016 at 1:06 pm
My brother Bob Kibler, was one of the finest bass guitar players of all times. He gained the most noteriety when playing in a New York based band called Taxi. They backed up Gary U. S. Bonds, The Shirelles, Chuck Berry, etc. during a revival of the fifties and sixties. They also played in concerts with many current artists.
Bob passed away at age 57. I’ll miss him forever.
Love,
Brother Dan
Tim Forney
August 11, 2016 at 7:15 am
Where the hell is Noel Redding?
Sergey
September 9, 2016 at 6:25 pm
All folks were born at 1999…
Neal
August 12, 2016 at 2:33 pm
How about Fernando Saunders who played lead bass (no other way to describe it) with Lou Reed’s band?
Neak
August 12, 2016 at 2:49 pm
Probably should just list them alphabetically since ‘best’ is the most subjective word in the English language! Also should include an honerable mention list for those not quite at the list but instantly recognizable.
Angelo Hamm
August 24, 2016 at 6:42 pm
You’re telling me that Jaco Pastorius and Stanley Clarke didn’t make the top 10, and paul mc cartney is #1…
Mange
August 31, 2016 at 2:13 pm
Yeah – it’s almost funny… it’s like comapring… well lets say me with Ludwig Van Beethoven…
Stanley Clarke is awesome…
Don
August 30, 2016 at 4:50 pm
Noel Redding is better than MOST of the ones you put up there………and he was doing it long before MOST of the ones you put up there………yet……he wasn’t up there…..he complimented Mitch Mitchell and Jimi beautifully……..Rainy Day……1983……..Crosstown Traffic……..all great stuff by Redding…….among the other 50 or so songs that could be added here !
Mange
August 31, 2016 at 2:11 pm
This is total bull…
Cliff Burton and Steve Harris better than Tony Levin, Phil Lynott and Billy Sheehan…? Rubbish.
Tony Levin should be top 5.
Billy Sheehan should be at least top 10 and that goes for Marc Anthony (Van Halen) as well…
Phil Lynott was way better than Harris and Burton…
And however much I lika Lemmy – he’s NOT top 50 on this list in my opinion… but he was the no. 1 on the “coolest dude”-list… 😉
Mange
August 31, 2016 at 2:15 pm
…and besides – Flea doesn’t deserve 3’rd here…
He’s awesome – but not 3’rd… probably top 20 though…
Brad
September 1, 2016 at 1:53 am
How Chris Squire is not #1 is beyond me!
Love the Who, but Chris was the best!
Dan
September 1, 2016 at 4:38 pm
Where is the mighty Scott Reeder from Kyuss and many other bands????
mike
September 2, 2016 at 7:09 am
what about Prakash John, Fernando Saunders, Sal Madia, Pat Kilbride just to name a few very capable omissions
Gavin Mutch
September 5, 2016 at 7:49 pm
50 Bassists, and no John McVie?…….come on.
Peter Feldman
September 6, 2016 at 5:16 pm
Bob Mosely (Moby Grape)
Chris White (Zombies)
Rocco Prestia (Tower of Power)
Edgar Meyer
Erik
September 6, 2016 at 6:07 pm
One guy often overlooked (perhaps because of who he played with and that type of music) is John Taylor from Duran Duran/Powerstation/Nuerotic Outsiders, etc
Patvyn
September 7, 2016 at 11:16 am
John Myung?
Chris Squire?
Tal Wilkenfeld?
miles
September 7, 2016 at 11:25 pm
Jack Casady, Rick Danko, and Andy Fraser are the obvious omissions but one of the best I ever saw was Mike Mesaros of the Smithereens
Alex
September 8, 2016 at 12:44 am
Missing: Peter Overend Watts by Mott The Hoople, Gene Simmons by Kiss, Trevor Bolder by Spiders from Mars, Raf Benson by Latoscuro, Faso by Elio e le storie Tese, And many others. I believe there are tons of great bass player all over the world better than the 50 on list, but are they popular? Or famous? Who did the riffs we all remember or we recognize just few notes? Another one bites the dust? I was Made for loving you? My generation? Who was a rock and roll star on stage?
The Clemmer
September 8, 2016 at 1:41 am
Tim Bogert???!!!
David Arnson
September 8, 2016 at 8:34 am
Jack Casady being omitted is pretty glaring…
Monica
September 8, 2016 at 1:20 pm
STU HAMM.
Alex Webber
September 8, 2016 at 1:28 pm
Mel Schacher
Roger Glover
Tony Levin
Colin Hodgkinson
Jed Mitter
September 8, 2016 at 1:46 pm
Andy Fraser – Free – He had Funk, before there was Funk!!!!
Nelson Smith
September 8, 2016 at 3:47 pm
Where is George Porter Jr (The Meters)???
Duane Albert
September 8, 2016 at 4:44 pm
No Jack Casady? No Greg Ridley? No Andy Fraser? No Felix Pappalardi?
This list is pure BS!
Keith McElyea
September 8, 2016 at 4:49 pm
Gary Thain, Joey Dimaio
Steve Chase
September 8, 2016 at 5:24 pm
Tom Fowler, Alphonso Johnson, Patrick O’Hearn, Ryan Stasik
John Lloyd
September 8, 2016 at 5:41 pm
OK all you young people – Where is JET HARRIS ???
juan carlos
September 8, 2016 at 5:53 pm
Percy Jones of Brand X ?? One of a kind and not in the list ??
Bob Trezise
September 8, 2016 at 6:26 pm
I’ve gone down the entire reply list of this obviously celebrity driven list and I was perplexed to find no one mentioning the incredible Chris Hillman. Next time “Eight Miles High” crops up on your oldies station stop and take a listen. For the Byrds, the Burritos, Manassas and his own solo and Country career, Chris’ bass chops are incredible.
And thanks to all the mentions of the incomparable Rick Danko of the Band. Most notable moment? Listen to the live “Don’t do It” from Rock of Ages. Brilliant.
William Fletcher
September 8, 2016 at 7:51 pm
Jack Bruce should be Higher on the list, and Felix Pappalardi from Mountain, who also Produced Cream, should be right there also!
C.Hardy
September 8, 2016 at 7:51 pm
Phil Lesh way to low. He should be top 5. where is Jack Cassidy, John Khan.and Rob Wasserman. I mean what is the point of even commenting?
Robert Roder
September 8, 2016 at 10:39 pm
Jaco should be in first place.
Chris Squire, 2nd.
And where is Jeff Berlin?
No doubt, he is one of the greats!
Mike
October 26, 2016 at 3:37 am
Look most of these list that are on the web today are popularity contest of pop culture. We stopped educating out kids on music diversity a long time ago. So yes those with a broad range of understanding and experience would would never rank Jaco lower than 2nd.
But remember this is a list compiled by people with a small amount of musical education and even smaller amount of experience.
So base it off current “here and now” influence. I’m not surprised.
Based on skill and creativity. Well the list is not even in the same reality.
Nf martinez sR
September 8, 2016 at 11:45 pm
Primus sucks!
saanzacs
September 9, 2016 at 12:12 am
Ronald LaPread from the Commodores should’ve got in there, Brick House was his finest hour!!!
D. A. Ocando
September 9, 2016 at 12:21 am
Bullshit!!! that fucking list!!!
Where´s Mel Schaher? He´s my number one
Nicolas Liautaud
September 9, 2016 at 12:38 am
Jack Casady is clearly missing, and he should be high ranked. You can even see bassists in U2 or in McCartney’s Band playing on a Jack Casady Model on stage ! The article says “sometimes they step out into the spotlight, like Paul Mc Cartney, Lemmy, Sting or Roger Waters”. Let’s be honnets, they didn’t step out specilally because of their bass playing, they were all singers-songwritters in famous bands…
Patvyn
September 9, 2016 at 9:54 am
+ any Zappa-bassplayer!
Patvyn
September 9, 2016 at 1:42 pm
any Zappa-bassplayer!
david valentine
September 9, 2016 at 7:17 pm
Not sure what number but Michael Anthony, from Van Halen should be up there, somewhere.
CARLOS
September 9, 2016 at 9:00 pm
well… in Argentina have a PEDRO AZNAR…
Lars Marke Otzen
September 9, 2016 at 11:52 pm
John Entwistle is my man… Unfortunately the best basplayer ever…….
Aris
September 10, 2016 at 1:23 am
Placing Cliff Burton ,Paul McCartney and John Paul Jones over Jaco Pastorius is just insulting.
Dennis Redman
September 10, 2016 at 6:59 am
Hate these lists! They rarely get anything right. Jamerson for example, influenced many of the players listed above him. Technically Jaco would have to rate near the top. However I do not think his tone and sound has aged very well. I love Roger Waters, but do not think for one minute, he belongs on this list. I’m sure he would agree with me. Popular and greatest are not the same thing. Where’s Eberhard Weber?
Zython
September 10, 2016 at 8:55 am
et Andy Fraser et Tim Bogert ???
Rich
September 10, 2016 at 11:20 am
David “Leo” Lyons, Ten Years After
“Going Home”-My favorite Bass Riff of all time. Woodstock, The man deserves an award for keeping up with the late great Alvin Lee.
Ricky
September 10, 2016 at 2:27 pm
What about Dug Pinnick from KingsX
Gregg H
September 10, 2016 at 5:42 pm
Tim Bogart is undoubtedly the greatest I ever heard live. Whoever made up this list never listened…I mean REALLY listened to any Vanilla Fudge or Cactus or Beck, Bogart, Appice….and Ronnie Woods??? Bass with the Jeff Beck Group w/ Rod Stewart and then guitar with Stewart and Faces and then the Stones?? Pretty versatile. I could name a dozen who belong on this list, as have others, BUT, not including Tim Bogart??? Come on
Robert L.
September 13, 2016 at 6:29 pm
Where’s John Lodge of The Moody Blues? He’s as good a bass player as most of these guys.
Mick DeLeon
September 14, 2016 at 6:55 pm
Hmmm, no love for Funk Brother James Jamerson or Bootsy Collins? Entwistle on top, for sure.
Ian Mitchinson
September 21, 2016 at 4:31 pm
Jamerson at 19? The man who influenced most on the list inc McCartney, Flea and Entwistle.
Chris
September 22, 2016 at 3:50 pm
I have not read any of the comments to not be swayed:
It’s mostly the right people, but it’s a popularity contest. The order is completely jacked. Victor Wooten is arguably the most technically accomplished of any living bass player on this list. And Jaco is the greatest who ever lived—he did more to shape the world of electric bass than anyone on this list. He is the gold standard, and has been since the late 70’s. Don’t get me wrong, I love Geddy and Entwistle, too—but I am sure they would agree that Jaco, Victor or Les could mop the floor with them.
Mr. Lama
September 28, 2016 at 8:53 am
Oh man ..you missed a lot, to name a few.. Richard Bona, John Patitucci, Jimmy Haslip, Stanley Clarke, Christian McBride, Gary Willis, Sean Malone, Esparanza Spalding, Avishai Cohen
& there’s much more. Jaco should be in No.1.
gary
September 30, 2016 at 1:30 pm
Im a bass player also, my brother played bass for the righteous brothers in the 60s and mack davis to name a few, my point is ive listened to a lot of bass players over the yrs. My two favorites are paul and peter, the beatles and chicago. Jason who took peters spot is great also, his dad was the b p for elvis. Dont forget the STYLE of the bass player is very important.
Greg Newsome
October 12, 2016 at 9:30 pm
Mark Hans Solar of Slave should be on there too.
JimiX
November 2, 2016 at 5:41 am
Victor Wooten is nice but cannot play like Les Claypool in many ways. One is very technical and a bit boring and the other is a technical mutant of very strange music which can play such crazy solos which nobody could play today (just check his tommy the cat solos…). Flea is the most entretaining but his creativity is limited without John Frusciante and he usually play similar riffs.
Ole
November 2, 2016 at 9:14 pm
Yes just like the last time Jack Casady is missing, and loads of others..Besides bassplaying is not only reserved for the british, americans and canadians !! Again i must insist that you recognize our german friend Hellmut Hattler here as one of the best ever, (go 6 min into this video) :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J75alNHjmcM
Sam
November 2, 2016 at 10:19 pm
Willie Weeks… Abe Laboriel… Rocco Prestia… Rhonda Smith… ?
Eric Hall
November 3, 2016 at 3:20 pm
Paul McCartney number 5? You’re having a laugh!
And Chris Squire only at number 16? That’s pretty hilarious too.
And I’m disappointed that I didn’t make the list 🙁
Geert Aerts
November 3, 2016 at 6:58 pm
And, of course completely forgotten, on Number 1A: Robbie Shakespeare! 😉
blankend
November 10, 2016 at 7:49 am
I am glad to see Entwistle at the top where he belongs. I also agree that Jack Casady is a glaring omission, and people seem to be underrating Paul McCartney’s contributions just because of his high profile as a Pop musician. Just listen to his workout on John’s ‘I Want You (She’s So Heavy)’ from Abbey Road. Like was mentioned, Paul really didn’t want to be a bass player, he just got assigned the role after Stu Sutcliffe, who couldn’t play bass, by the way, left the band in 61. Paul was actually a better guitarist than John, but John had a brand new Rickenbacker and he was the leader at that point, so Paul went to bass duty. As a guitarist, he winded up doing some interesting and progressive things at bass, much like Entwistle did with The Who.
Brian
November 14, 2016 at 4:05 pm
What, no Meshell Ndegeocello? Her bass-work is sublime. Agree with all the above, especially on Casady.
Sherri
November 14, 2016 at 5:09 pm
My favorite bass player was left out. Allen Woody from, the Allman Brothers, Gov’t Mule.
Steve
November 14, 2016 at 9:16 pm
No electronica players? Joke right there, out and out crime not having Peter Hook at least mentioned.
Roger
November 15, 2016 at 2:31 am
Nobody mentioned Andy West of the Dixie Dregs… Until now?
Declan
November 15, 2016 at 6:44 am
Paul Chambers? Anybody??
alexander morton
November 15, 2016 at 10:32 am
I know he couldn’t compete technically with many on your list but as for being important in the history of our music he cannot be denied….Bill Black, the late eccentric double-bass player for the Hillbilly Cat, certainly deserves a mention.
Keith Williams
November 15, 2016 at 11:54 am
Justin Meldal-Johnsen (JMJ)…is certainly a force
John Aage Nilsen
November 15, 2016 at 12:34 pm
Norman Watt-Roy from the Blockheads….
https://www.mixcloud.com/sohoradio/free-seed-on-soho-ep-10/
Steve Milner
December 15, 2016 at 7:58 pm
Norman is probably in a league above this one!
MIke Christopher
November 15, 2016 at 12:37 pm
George “Mel” Schacher of Grand Funk Railroad fame.
D.E. Ankele
November 15, 2016 at 12:51 pm
Classically trained rocker/jazz bassist, Jack Bruce is tops for me! Carol Kaye very impressive, but mostly in studio, she played on so many of the big hits. She is very high on my list as well. Look her up on YouTube. Cool to see all the top hits she played on, especially Motown.
Jeremy Montague
November 15, 2016 at 1:15 pm
Glenn Cornick (Jethro Tull 1967-1970) should be on here IMHO … Bouree, Living In The Past, Teacher, To Cry You A Song, Nothing is Easy, Driving Song, Wonderin’ Aloud, A Song For Jeffrey, New Day Yesterday … great, great contributions to the art of rock bass!
Marcos
November 15, 2016 at 2:04 pm
Tal Wilkenfeld
Doug Horspool
November 15, 2016 at 3:18 pm
The”Johns” are absolutely correct…Entwistle first, then John Paul Jones! I saw them both in concert three times and never was less than amazed! Missing is Paul Newton, the original bassist from Uriah Heep. Casady, Geddy Lee, the guy from Van Halen…meh! This coming from a long-time bassist.
Mike
November 15, 2016 at 3:35 pm
Chris Campbell for his work in the silver bullet band
Jim Kale for his work with The guess who and my favorite live album live at the paramount
Tommy Caldwell for his work in the Marshall Yucker band
ed brunk
November 15, 2016 at 3:42 pm
Mel Schacher-Grand Funk Railroad, Geddy Lee-Rush, John Paul Jones-Zeppelin, Ben Shepherd-Soundgarden, Mike Commerford-Audioslave……the top 5
randy reno
November 15, 2016 at 4:31 pm
Jaco should be in the top 10 and so should Leland Sklar…..at 49 that’s just plain insulting and forced me to make a comment
Casey
November 15, 2016 at 5:16 pm
all these lists have a very high Anglosaxon (Am/Brit) content. Possible there are no bassplayers in the rest of the world. Pooooooooor!!!
steve
November 15, 2016 at 6:14 pm
To me you forgot two icons…. Greg Lake (ELP) and Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy – Quiet Riot…)!
Mike Zammit
November 15, 2016 at 6:51 pm
Francis Rocco Prestia from Tower of Power
and Ray Shulman from Gentle Giant should definitely be on this list.
peter grove
November 15, 2016 at 7:18 pm
Don’t rate McCartney, he was in the right band at the right time. Carol Kaye probably played bass on more albums than anyone else
crzyhors
November 16, 2016 at 2:49 am
Many of the others may have never picked up a bass guitar if it weren’t for Sir James Paul McCartney!
Uncle Funk
July 9, 2019 at 6:29 pm
I believe Ron Carter appeared on more albums than anyone else.
Chip
November 15, 2016 at 7:56 pm
Tal Wilkenfeld and Jack Casady.
Steve
November 15, 2016 at 8:38 pm
Glenn Cornick
Ray Shulman
Peter Mars Cowling
Tim Bogert
John Wetton
Stephen Stills
Greg Lake
Jimi Hendrix
Sigi Hümmer
November 15, 2016 at 9:18 pm
A good List
But i am looking for:
JOHN WETTON – TIM BOGARD – JIMMY LEA – FELIX PAPPALARDI – HELMUT HATTLER
and Robert „Robbie“ Shakespeare
Christel Combs
November 15, 2016 at 9:24 pm
What about Peter Steele of Type O Negative?
Dan Frederick
November 15, 2016 at 9:41 pm
I can’t believe you overlooked James Dewar
Dale
November 15, 2016 at 10:03 pm
Esperanza Spaulding
Michael
November 15, 2016 at 10:28 pm
Surprised that Noel Redding isn’t on the list.
Robert
November 16, 2016 at 7:38 pm
Tal wilkenfeld should be considered
Greg Osborne
November 17, 2016 at 7:12 am
Dennis Dunaway PERIOD.
K_G_Gecko
December 5, 2016 at 8:33 am
Right on Greg, totally agree! Cheers
Mark
November 17, 2016 at 8:20 pm
Mick Karn-Japan, Dali’s Car, Rain Tree Crow
Victor
November 18, 2016 at 9:45 am
Stanley Clarke number 17 you have got to be kidding!!! Victor Wooden learned from him . You guys have got to be kidding
John
November 20, 2016 at 3:48 pm
I always love the bass on story in your eyes by the Moody Blues.
Scott
November 22, 2016 at 10:05 am
McCartney is the best. It’s not about HOW he plays; if so, this list should be populated by 50 unknown session bassists. It’s about WHAT he plays.
And Steve Harris is shit.
Sarah Sutherland
November 27, 2016 at 9:41 pm
Mick Karn (Japan) & Jerry Casale (Devo) should be there
K_G_Gecko
December 5, 2016 at 8:27 am
On my list I would slot in Dennis Dunaway from the original Alice Cooper Band in top 20. Give the Schools’ Out album (and others) a listen for some of the best rock bass work ever!
P, F. Anderson
December 16, 2016 at 7:38 pm
This listis about half right. Still 50% is a FAIL! Yes agood case can be made for putting Entwistle on top. But a better case can be made forMcCarney, IF you are talking rock. But ya got jazz& other styles sprinkled iin there. You cannmot put Ray Brown and Stanley clarke ubder a phil Lynott for crying out loud! And you may only put Chris Squire below McCartnet & Entwistle in rock. But since you had to go & sprinkle other styles in there anda session guylike Sklar (who is too low), then where the heck are Edgar Meyer? Abe Laboriel?
This list is skewed to havor hard rock and metal.
Jim
December 29, 2016 at 7:16 am
This list has obviously been made based on fame and poor research. Honestly Victor Wooten alongside Marcus Miller and Jaco pastorious and others should be at the top to say the least. I don’t think Paul McCartney could ever outplay those guys, not just Paul, he’s just an example but mostly all of them who are placed in top ten. Anyone whos not a bassist or know little about the bass and who weilds it, never use this list of bass players as a reference of who’s better than who. I hold nothing against the famous band bass players , I love their stuff but this list is not correct.
VintageRocker
December 31, 2016 at 8:11 pm
I know it’s been mentioned before, but how can you leave Felix Pappalardi off this list? He should be in the top 25 at the very least.
WVA
December 31, 2016 at 8:52 pm
wheres Randy Coven??John Pattitucci,,,Bronson Begay,,Alain Caron,,,Tom Peterrson,,Pete Way
Chuck foxwell
January 1, 2017 at 12:46 am
John Paul Jones to win Getty Lee runner up SuzI Quatro deserves to be on the list
Doug Rea
January 17, 2017 at 1:22 am
All these comments, and no mention of the late, great Helmut Koellen of Triumvirat, my favourite bassist, who puts the “awe” in awesome!
cornelius Brown
January 19, 2017 at 7:41 pm
I think Stanley Clarke should be number one !!!!!!!!!
Rev. Kelvin McKisic
January 19, 2017 at 10:04 pm
I don’t know who was surveyed and how you judged the meaning of best, but bassist number 12 through 32 would eat numbers 1 through 9 for lunch. To put Stanley Clarke at 17?! His bass skills actually surpass the skills of the 6-string guitar players for the bands in numbers 1 through 9.
Tim
January 25, 2017 at 11:35 pm
Glen Burtnik from Styx ELO/The Orchestra and The Weeklings.
Ram
February 5, 2017 at 11:59 am
everyone needs to understand this
1.) Alex Webster-Cannibal Corpse
2.) Alex Webster-Cannibal Corpse
3.) Alex Webster-Cannibal Corpse
4.) Alex Webster-Cannibal Corpse
5.) Alex Webster-Cannibal Corpse
6.) Alex Webster-Cannibal Corpse
7.) Alex Webster-Cannibal Corpse
8.) Alex Webster-Cannibal Corpse
9.) Alex Webster-Cannibal Corpse
10.) Alex Webster-Cannibal Corpse
Alex Webster of Cannibal corpse skill wise in layman’s terms shit over all of your bass player full stop no argument he just wins by default he is a more skilled bass player than anyone need proof listen to Frantic Disembowlment
FERNANDO COSTA
February 17, 2017 at 5:26 pm
Noel redding!!!!
Dave Haladay
February 17, 2017 at 7:39 pm
Where is Felix Pappalardi from Mountain? Jack Bruce listed behind Flea? Shameful.
Bruce Shaakhal
February 17, 2017 at 8:48 pm
Where are Tim Bogert, Rick Laird and Paul Jackson ?
Henry Gutierrez
February 18, 2017 at 2:54 am
I used to think Jack Casady was pretty good until I found out that Jimi Hendrix had 2 bass strings on his guitar during Electric Ladyland
kirk baldwin
February 18, 2017 at 4:04 am
How could you leave out Ron Carter?
J D Spurlock
February 18, 2017 at 4:54 am
John Paul Jones better than JACK BRUCE — my ass.
And where is JACK CASSIDY?
Dennis
February 18, 2017 at 4:23 pm
I can’t believe no-one mentioned Tim Bogert from Vanilla Fudge. He was amazing.
Mike Vande
February 19, 2017 at 12:26 pm
You people are out of your friggin’ minds. Jaco Pastorius at 12 behind FLEA, for God’s sake, and James Jamerson isn’t even mentioned?
What a load!
Juan C.
February 19, 2017 at 12:27 pm
Not Jeff Berlin and Alain Caron on the list, this is a shit.
Juan C.
February 19, 2017 at 12:28 pm
Not John Patitucci also.
Prinz H.
February 19, 2017 at 5:39 pm
I miss Melissa auf der Maur on this list so Tina weymouth might not be alone.
Greg B
February 19, 2017 at 10:12 pm
Donald “Duck” Dunn should be in the top ten.
And including Charles Mingus is just silly – not because he isn’t a great bassist, but because he is clearly the only jazz bassist you knew. So why even open that door? Where is Paul Chambers? Scott LaFaro?
Tall Paul
February 19, 2017 at 10:20 pm
No Bruce Foxton? How? FAIL
john
February 20, 2017 at 8:59 pm
Percy Jones!!!!!!!
John O
March 7, 2017 at 10:22 pm
Greg Ridley from Humble Pie and Spooky Tooth, Mel Schacher from Grand Funk, Pete Way from UFO, Andy Fraser from Free, Martin Turner from Wishbone Ash, Pete Agnew from Nazareth, Harvey Brooks of The Doors, Electric Flag, and Super Session, Francis Bucholtz of The Scorpions, Jack Casady of Jefferson Airplane, Noel Reading, and Billy Cox with Jimi Hendrix, Rick Danko of The Band, Jim Kale of The Guess Who, John Myong of Dream Theatre, Robert DeLeo of STP, etc…a top 50 list is too debatable!
Richie
March 9, 2017 at 11:14 am
Blues anderen Soul – Felton Crews
roy evans
March 13, 2017 at 6:43 pm
A little nod to a great bassist Gordon Rawley from Striffe, Razorback, and Nightwing.
Whom'std'd've!
March 19, 2017 at 9:15 am
Where’s Garry Tallent!?!?!?
dave hupe
April 5, 2017 at 11:22 pm
GERRY MCAVOY, from the Rory Gallagher Band has to be there. I really don’t think paul Mccarthy should make it on a 50 most honourable mention list after the 50 greatest list.. List not serious.
michael olpp
April 25, 2017 at 6:13 pm
what about harvey brooks? cmon…
Joe
April 25, 2017 at 9:54 pm
This list is a joke. FLEA better than Jaco…..PLEASE
Robert Hooker
April 25, 2017 at 11:09 pm
What about Greg Lake? He has got to be considered in this list.
Paul Dooley
April 26, 2017 at 12:49 am
Andy Fraser-Free
Felix Pappalardi-Mountain
Glenn Goldsmith
October 29, 2017 at 4:02 am
Thumbs up for Andy Fraser.
Bob Davison
April 26, 2017 at 1:00 am
Dennis Dunaway
Dennis
April 26, 2017 at 1:35 pm
Great list. However, what about Dennis Dunaway? Some great bass lines in the early Alice Cooper Band.
Lists like these are tough, you’re always going to leave someone off that people like and you’re always going to rank someone higher than they should be.
David Brehaut
April 27, 2017 at 10:21 am
There’s a few of the guy’s I’ve not come across before but, I’d of of had Greg Lake, John Wetton, Dave Pegg and Jimmy Lea in there somewhere!
Matt Channing
April 27, 2017 at 9:59 pm
Jaco. Pastorius. You. Boobs….
TheKunig
April 30, 2017 at 3:57 pm
Tal Wilkenfeld and Mohini Dey –
Lars Arnwald
April 30, 2017 at 9:59 pm
I heard Casady with the J. Airplane in -68. Full-bodied sound like no other. Short THUMPS on all the right places.Talk about understated bass. Millions to say about all others. I abstain.
A big smile on my face with 30/40-ies geniuses like Basie’s Walter Page and Ellington’s Jimmy Blanton (+ 1942) mentioned here. I would never dream of it. Still on the jazz side, I’ve heard Milt Hinton do acoustic slap bass like none on the electric side. Still, I try not to compare these different instruments
So what did Ray Charles have in common with Frank Zappa? Aside from his big band w. the Raelettes, Ray also had a quartet for 35 years. I had almost given up finding the link between the RC 4-tet and FZ. Finally it popped up, Tom Fowler. (So did also Harvey Brooks). Big Thanks! Check out FZ:s 1974, 6 pc band, (G. Duke, Napoleon MB, Ruth U). How Tom and drummer Chester Thompson really pump thru all tricky FZ trade marks.
Andrew Blegg
April 30, 2017 at 10:02 pm
Where’s Glenn Hughes & Jason Newstead?
Richard P Heine
May 1, 2017 at 3:00 am
Jaco only made #12? Unbelievable! Who used harmonics on a Bass before he did?
Richard
May 28, 2017 at 11:07 pm
So, where are the Ink Spots playing 1 of the best songs (45 RPM) SeaOfLove ?
jon donoghue
June 9, 2017 at 10:57 am
tony reeves greenslade was a good classy bass player.
JD Hoskins
June 28, 2017 at 2:15 am
I see Carol Kaye, Duck, and James Jamerson but didn’t see David Hood’s name, seems like an oversight to me.
Lgbpop
June 29, 2017 at 3:33 am
Wow, the voices sure get loud for those omitted. I don’t have all day to red the previous answers, so if Jim Rodford was mentioned – sorry about that. Anyone good enough to be in the Zombies, Argent and the Kinks knows what he’s doing in my opinion though. He could play a lead bass as well as Entwistle, and had licks as good as McCartney or Casady. Another Kinks bassist – John Dalton – never will get any recognition except for right here – so, here’s to you, Nobby!
P.S. – for those of you in the UK, Dalton and Rodford still are Active in the Kast-off Kinks. Go see them, they get better with age!
john
June 29, 2017 at 4:54 am
Surely there are some great bass players listed here. While I won’t comment much on the order I will suggest two giants missing from the list: Nathan East and James Jameson. I do think Victor Wooten and others are too far down.
Jim
July 26, 2017 at 9:59 pm
So ridiculous! Jack Casady & Willie Weeks not even on the list. Lee Sklar at 49? Paul McCartney at 5? Flea at 3? C’mon!
Gary
August 2, 2017 at 4:53 am
What about Greg Lake of EL&P ?
ShortLegs
August 2, 2017 at 10:05 am
There is one great Bass player omitted, that being session bassist, Carol Kaye!!!
ShortLegs
August 2, 2017 at 10:10 am
Agree D.E. Carol Kaye is an unsung bassist, & like you say Jack Bruce is a multi-instrumentalist, classically trained.
Veronica
August 20, 2017 at 6:42 am
No Maurice Gibb of the BeeGees? He had some of the most complex, melodic basslines ever. Listen to albums Main Course, Children of the World, and, yes, Saturday Night Fever.
Alex
August 22, 2017 at 12:47 am
Geezer Butler better than Charles Mingus!!! Just repeat this sentence if you can. Not to mention Paul McCartney better than Jaco… Do you know anything about music? athough NO is so obvious answer
Alex
August 22, 2017 at 12:48 am
Geezer Butler better than Charles Mingus!!! Just repeat this sentence if you can. Not to mention Paul McCartney better than Jaco… Do you know anything about music? Although NO is so obvious answer
Peter Ellis
September 22, 2017 at 1:12 am
To not include on a list of bass players the genius who changed Jazz bass playing, and brought it to where it now stands is either a huge mistake, or complete stupidity…where on earth is Scott la Faro???????
Kaman
October 25, 2017 at 4:54 am
Interesting list!!!
Timothy Schubert
October 26, 2017 at 10:49 pm
I would put McCartney at number 2 and Willie Dixon at number 3. Otherwise, a good list.
Hari Mwell
October 27, 2017 at 4:07 pm
Si vous ne connaissez pas JIMMY BLANTON, votre culture musicale est très insuffisante excusez-moi…
Glenn Goldsmith