25 Greatest Bass Players

John Entwistle of the Who was by far one of the greatest and most original bass players of all time. His incredible bass playing and contribution to the band put them where they are today. Without a doubt, John Entwistle deserves to be placed as #2.

John Paul Jones, bass player of the internationally recognized pioneer rock band Led Zeppelin deserves to be placed at the top of the list for multiple reasons. His original basslines have inspired millions of bass players around the world. He is known as one of the greatest bass players of all time, and he ranks at #3.

Geddy Lee of Rush deserves to be placed nowhere else other than the top. With so much style and creativity, he has contributed so much to Rush from an early, putting them where they are today. His progressive rock sound makes him one of the most genuine and most creative bass players of all time, standing at #6.

Geezer Butler of Black Sabbath deserves to be at the top of this list without a doubt. Being a pathfinder, pioneer of metal he has definetly earned a title as one of the greatest metal bassists of all time, if not, the greatest. His dark, scary, classic, blues basslines are known worldwide. Butler, #4 is his spot.

Chris Squire of Yes, well deserves to be placed at the top of this list. Squire's progressive and fast playing give's Yes it's distinctive sound and music. He is well known for his fast, complex basslines which put everyone in awe. Being in Yes since the beginning, Squire is a very dedicated bass player. He ranks at the high #10.

Michael "Flea" Balzary, bass player and founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1983 has been there for the whole ride. His funky slap grooves make him one of the most original bass players out there. Throughout the years he has accheived an incredible amount of respect, #1 is the only spot he belongs.

Jaco Pastorius, one of the greatest jazz bass players of all time. An idol to many, his funky, groovy basslines weren't your everyday jazz. They were original, he was original. Put him with a Fender Jazz Bass, and you get funky jazz that enlightens the room. Jaco Pastorius is classed at the top of the charts at #5.

Justin Chancellor of Tool is not commonly looked at as one of the greatest bass players of all time. The progressive sound of Tool distincts it's self from every other band. The unheard sound makes Tool one of the greatest metal bands today. Chancellor's bass lines, crunchy and dark make up most of Tool's distinctive sound. Chancellor is placed at #11.

Les Claypool of the alternative metal band Primus, brings a different sound to the table. Combining funky slap grooves and a mixture of many other things, Les Claypool has created a new sound in the music world. He is well known for his incredibly fast slapping and popping as well as his original vocals. He ranks at #7.

Steve Harris of Iron Maiden is a favorite in the metal world. His galloping basslines make the heavy metal music much more heroic. Steve Harris is known as one of the most important bass players in metal history, standing tall at #8.

Cliff Burton, founding member of Metallica was a metal icon. He has contributed greatly to the metal world and the three Metallica albums he played on. Cliff's passion for metal and the bass is what made him such an amazing bass player. He ranks at #9.

Tim Commorford of Rage Against the Machine is not found in every greatest bass players list, but he should be. His funky yet crunchy popping and slapping give him his very own distinctive sound. His energy makes Rage Against the Machine who they are. Although not looked at as one of the greatest, Commoford ranks at #12 on this list.

Victor Wooten, jazz bassist, funk bassist, blues bassist, well deserves to be placed at the top. Known for his progressive, funky slapping and popping, Wooten makes a living by slapping that bass with passion. Wooten could make up melodies whenever, which is what true bass playing is all about. He ranks at #13.

1). Jaco 2) Chris Squire 3) James Jamerson 4) Carol Kaye 5) All the former bass players wrecking crew 6). All the former bass players Funk Brothers 7) Bill Wyman