The greatest bass players of all time

[jw5]

John Entwistle -

If you've ever listened to The Who, you know how iconic Entwistle's thumping playing style is. The bass solo in their famous 1965 hit 'My Generation' is a great example.

 

[jw5]

Larry Graham -

Larry Graham is credited as the inventor of the slap-bass technique. Though the bassist of the Sly and the Family Stone preferred to call the technique "thumpin’ and pluckin'."

 

[jw5]

Steve Harris -

One of the founders of the British heavy metal band Iron Maiden, Steve Harris is also the man behind the band's legendary galloping sound. The triplet pattern used in many Maiden songs is driven by Steve Harris' bass lines.

 

[jw5]

Peter Hook -

The co-founder of Joy Division and New Order is also an iconic bass player. Known for playing his lines high on the neck, Hook's bass sound became easily recognizable and indeed original.

 

[jw5]

Paul Simonon -

When punk bassists are mentioned, Sid Vicious usually come to mind. Though despite his famous antics, The Sex Pistols' bassist was not an impressive musician. Paul Simonon from The Clash, on the other hand, helped define what punk rock bass was all about: thumping and in-your-face.

 

[jw5]

Geezer Butler -

The legendary Black Sabbath bassist had the amazing capability of being a brick in a solid rhythm section, and at the same time a creative melodic force alongside guitarist Tony Iommi.

 

[Papsmearer]

U left out the great Dutch Bassist Klaus Voorman and John Deacon.

 

[jw5]

James Jamerson -

James Jamerson is synonymous with Motown. Jamerson wrote the melodic syncopated bass lines for hits such as The Temptations’ 'My Girl,' Gladys Knight’s 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine,' and Marvin Gaye’s 'What’s Going On.' Jamerson had a rather unique technique, where he used just his index finger to pluck the strings, which he called "the hook."

 

[Papsmearer]

bullshit, u can barel

View attachment 216529

James Jamerson -

James Jamerson is synonymous with Motown. Jamerson wrote the melodic syncopated bass lines for hits such as The Temptations’ 'My Girl,' Gladys Knight’s 'I Heard It Through the Grapevine,' and Marvin Gaye’s 'What’s Going On.' Jamerson had a rather unique technique, where he used just his index finger to pluck the strings, which he called "the hook."

bullshit, u can barely hear the bass in What's Going On

 

[jw5]

Tim Commerford -

From Rage Against the Machine to Audioslave, Tim Commerford's bass playing is tight and a roaring driving force. He truly deserves a spot on this list.

 

[jw5]

Donald 'Duck' Dunn -

Remember that smooth intro in Ottis Redding’s '(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay?' Dunn played it. Dunn worked with many other iconic music artists, including Eric Clapton, Stevie Nicks, and Neil Young.

 

[TanSong]

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Kim Gordon -

The bassist for the alternative pioneers Sonic Youth was one of the first female rock bass players to appear on the scene. Kim Gordon kept it simple, direct, and "minimal," as she describes her playing.

Nice

 

[jw5]

Willie Dixon -

Bluesman Willie Dixon worked with artists such as Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and Bo Diddley. Dixon is a huge influence for many bass players.

 

[jw5]

Pino Palladino -

Pino Palladino is one the most prolific session bassists of all time. On his CV, we can find names such as Jeff Beck, Elton John, John Mayer, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, and B.B. King. Not to mention that he toured with The Who, Nine Inch Nails, and Simon and Garfunkel!

 

[jw5]

Jaco Pastorius -

Many a bass player first thought about purchasing a fretless bass after listening to bass virtuoso Jaco Pastorius play. Often named one of the greatest of all time, Pastorious had a unique playing style and the personality to match.

 

[jw5]

Thundercat -

Stephen Lee Bruner, aka Thundercat, is one of the greatest contemporary bass players. He earned his stripes playing with Suicidal Tendencies and went on to become a Grammy-winning solo artist.

 

[jw5]

Mark King -

Best known for his work with the band Level 42, Mark King is one of the masters of the slap and pop technique. King wowed crowds with his fast percussive playing.

 

[jw5]

Les Claypool -

Primus are known for their amazing bass lines, and, of course, the man behind them—Les Claypool. His fast and aggressive slap technique and creative tapping sets him apart. "A lot of guys play with two fingers, so I figured if I played with three, I could be faster," said Claypool.

 

[jw5]

Marcus Miller -

Marcus Miller is known for being an astonishing bass player, but also an accomplished producer and songwriter. Miller has worked with world-renowned musicians, including Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin, and Dizzy Gillespie.