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Greatest Bass Players of All Time

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Rated 532 points - posted 15 years ago by pxc0 in category Music.
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Jaco Pastorius Report Abuse
4203 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 57 comments
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Perhaps the greatest player ever with incredible technique and technical skills - BUT I can't get past the "fart'y" bass sound. Again great player, awful sound to my ears. I find it difficult to listen to him or Stanley Clark for that matter based on the sound. I would love to have heard him on a 'fretted' Jazz Bass with Rotosound 66's or DR High-Beams.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jaco was good, but overplayed. Bootsy Collins was the king of his genre. Jaco was the king of his genre. I am a bass player and Jaco is not in my list, he was great, but not my idol,
Added 8 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I agree with you 100 percent he is a genius
Added 9 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
J.P. is the bassist that paved the way from the mid 70s untill his tragic death in 86. He was my first influence. He set the bench mark 4 all others after him in all styles. Funny thing is he has a son named Felix whos better than any rock bass player on this list. I never knew rock bass players were As good as fusion jazz bass players. Who made this list? John Enwhistle of the Who? I dont think so! Clearly this list is based on popularity of popular music. Jazz muscians are the best muscians. No questions asked! Today there R so many monster bass players. Check out Marcus Miller, Bill Dickens, Christian McBride (hes played with every jazz person), Anthoney Wellington, and one of my favorites. John Pattituci who play's 6 string bass. All these guys r not on the list and they r better than any rock star. There jazz bass players!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Teen town!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Agreed to most on this list, but missing 2, fo sho! Colin Maulding (XTC, listen to "Mayor of Simpleton..."!!), & Tommy Shannon (SR Vaughn)!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Saw Jaco and Verdine White together way back in the day. Awesome show.
Added 9 years ago by tazzjazzbass, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He's awesome. Reminds me a lot of Floyd Pepper from Dr Teeth and the Electric Mayhem band on the Muppet Show. Man...those were the days.
Added 9 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The Chicken. DAT BASS.
Added 10 years ago by snazzycat, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jaco was not only the father of the modern electric bass, I feel he was one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century/ Look at how he quotes Right Of Spring here and there. So clever. I try to imagine hi, sober and 60 years old, the stuff he would have came up with!
Added 10 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Mel Schacher? Right. He isn't even considered one of the best Rock bassists.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jaco can't hold Mel Schacher's jock strap...Go listen to Grand Funk Live album recorded in 1971...nobody was doing that then....
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
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Added 11 years ago by cofdsaiufdsa, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Some people say "the hendrix of bass" I rather say the God who created the new way of playing bass guitar. that way where the bass isn't just a rhythmic instrument
Added 11 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jaco has influenced every bass player since the mid seventy's. if you asked claypool, wooten,miller, sheehan, flea, lee, and any professional bass player they did say he's the greatest. that's why jaco is number 1
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Literally ask any professional bassist and it will be jaco. He completely redefined the instrument and his technical ability to play blew everyone out of the water. What I don't understand is why people make a big deal out of cliff burton or john entwistle
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
LES CLAYPOOL is for far the best bassist of all time, at least he deserves a better ranking position than flea
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Bass history is split in before and after Jaco
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Great choice for the number spot! Go check out this dude that plays bass for the a band called 12th street gypsies copy and paste the name and go to youtube search.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Determining who was the best factors on a few things. Speed ,accuracy, improv, techniques.etc.. I would have to say jaco was undoubtedly one of the best but you cant really compare one to the next. Like jaco and wooten Clarke both play jazz but they played diff jazz..
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jaco was great. WAS great.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
If you guys really think Jaco wasn't as good at Wooten, Mark King, Les Claypool, or anyone else you need to get your ears checked. Those other cats are all great, but they're not really dealing with the same harmonic structure that Jaco was, and you must remember that they ALL came after Jaco, which means that what they are playing is influenced in some form or fashion by Jaco...bass playing wouldn't be the same without Jaco. There's a vast library of Jaco's music that is not that popular...but reveals his technical prowess. Besides, I challenge anyone to play "Donna Lee" as clean as he did and improvise a solo that rivals the one he takes. Don't forget about his compositions--there's so much more to music than how well you play your instrument. Jaco was an incredible musician, so make sure you really understand what he did for music besides just play the bass.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Ryan Martinie????
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
ORIGINALITY, TALENT,INFLUENCE, WEEKS AT #1,WORLD WIDE RECORD SALES,ROCK HALL OF FAMER, THE MAN THAT PUT THE B IN BEAT, ANDTHE F IN FUNK.........BILL BLACK. ELVIS' BASSIST AND BILL BLACK'S COMBO ONE OF THE FIRST TO MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM DOGHOUSE BASS TO THE ELECTRIC. HE BURNED IT UP WITH THE STAND UP BASS WELL ENOUGH THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THAT THEY HAD NO DRUMMER IN THE EARLY RECORDS ONLY ELVIS SCOTTY AND BILL. MOST PEOPLE DIDN'T HAVE A TV AND NEVER SAW EARLY ELVIS PERFORM BUT IT WAS THE MUSIC THAT CHANGED THE WORLD. BLACK'S BEAT. MOST PEOPLE THAT KNOW ROCK FROM THAT ERA ARE DEAD AND THE REST MEMORIES ARE TOO SHORT. IF IT WASN'T FOR HIS INFLUENCE WHERE WOULD THESE GUYS ALL BE?????
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
uhm....do we know this guy?
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Every bass player should bow for "his highness Mr. Claypool". I see to less his name on this forum, extend your horizon people ...
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Listen to Jaco on Weather Report's "Havona." Really listen. You'll hear why he's the greatest.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jaco sure could play the harmonics on demand.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
SHAME ON YOU WHERE THE FRACK IS MARK SANDMAN????? HE IS Nº1 ALWAYS
Added 12 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
BWAHAHAHA!! Cliff couldn't hold a candle to Jaco!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Dis place shuld b fr CLIFF BURTON...d legend..
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Ali, Hendrix, Lincoln, Pastorius... nuff said
Added 12 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jaco is easily the best. He's everything Mark King ever wanted to be but lacked the talent to do so. He brought the bass to the forefront.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jaco- not fit to be mentioned in the same breath as Mark King. Jaco was a good fretless player, not great. The most over-rated bass player ever.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hugely, hugely overrated. Good, but no more than that. Wooten and King are so much better.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jaco hovers over Flea.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Well, with all due respect... wrong,wrong, WRONG!!!!!! Jaco should be No. 1, not just No. 6! Pls take action. RiP Jaco - world's greatest bass player!!
Added 12 years ago by beetlejuice1212, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I think you don't know he has inspired ALL modern bass players through the whole world. First place for Pastorius, now!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is simply genius.....
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I wonders if Flea listens to this Jaco man in old days and thinks to be inspired and then go on to be best number one player of bass for all times.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jaco's conceptual breadth is often not mentioned. Given a longer life, who knows, as a composer, he might have gathered a body of work comparable to someone like Mingus.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I see you: you really want Twiggy Ramirez (Marilyn Manson) as numero uno on here? Think about it.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
All these metalheads need to listen to "Word of Mouth" before voting Cliff Burton for No.1 .. Sheeesh!! .... and that's not even why Jaco was best known for.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This is sad, an insult to the true greats
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Haha, reading through this, it almost tells the story of how I first heard of Jaco Pastorius -- from one of my bass teachers when I was just learning to play. I can see both how Jaco would end up at #1 (it's conventional wisdom that he should #1 be for a lot of bass enthusiasts) but it also makes a lot of sense that he's somewhere lower in the top 10. Still, #3 makes sense to me in a mixed-genre ranking.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should be in top 5 for sure!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
For anyone who needs a cheat sheet, here is a list of Jaco's influences (taken from his biography):nfluences Musical influences included James Jamerson, James Brown, The Beatles, Miles Davis, and Stravinsky. Other musical influences include: Jimi Hendrix, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Paul Hindemith, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, The Band, Santana, Frank Zappa, Bob Marley, Rocco Prestia, Tommy Cogbill, Ray Charles, Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, Otis Redding, James T. Doggington, Cannonball Adderley and Jerry Jemmott.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
ask the living bass players above who was the best, and they will say jaco.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is apart from the rest. We should vote any a bass players from the earth.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I'm not disputing his talent, but I have to ask: how many of you actually listen to "Weather Report"? I suspect that, for many, the Jaco meme started out like this: You wanted to improve your skills, so you took lessons. Maybe the conversation went like this: You "Wow, I'd like to play like Entwistle" Bass teacher: "Yeah, he's good, but the greatest was Jaco Pastorius" You: "Really?" Bass Teacher: "Oh yeah, best of all time, okay, so did you practice playing 3rds in the Dorian mode? Today, I'm going to show you Phrygian, which is also a minor scale. . ." Then you just repeat everything your bass teacher told you, although, really, you might think "Weather Report" sounds like the background music from a 70's movie.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
LES CLAYPOOL??????????????
Added 13 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
An innovator, an exceptional player, a definite yes on both counts. The best; hardly. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate Jaco's contributions but there are plenty of players these days who are also innovative and can run circles around what Jaco was capable of doing.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
#1 period
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This man is the God father of the bass. he ate slept and drank this instrument (before the drugs) His hands were made to play this instrument. "Portrait of Tracy" magical!! Everyone else comes after. He was effortless on this instrument.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jaco was here for a short period of time; however his singing bass lines on the Jazz Fusion standard “Birdland” will always be with us. He played with a who’s who of jazz fusion groups from Al Di Meola, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny and Joni Mitchell. After his death he was saluted by Miles Davis, Pat Metheny, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten with compositions. He is the only electric bass player in Down Beat’s Jazz hall of fame. The only other bass player are Charles Mingus, Milt Hinton, and Ray Brown.
Added 13 years ago by dc99, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
for the people who really knows about jazz u are the greatest bass player in jazz history
Added 13 years ago by alberramir, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Thank You for moving him up!
Added 13 years ago by C.I. Bassist, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

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John Entwistle (The Who) Report Abuse
He was the glue that kept one of the greatest rock bands of all time together. While Keith, Pete and Roger were off improvising and doing their own thing it was John who functioned as the backbone, keeping the band on track,
3690 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 36 comments
Comments:
about 5 comments in, he was good because of ;sloppy drumming"??? have you ever listened to the who or heard of keith moon? i know this isnt the drummer section but you, sir, are an IDIOT. moon made bonham look silly and he was pretty good too. i think maybe commenter was looking to get sniped at? the ox is about right at 2 or 3 on the list.
Added 7 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The man invented what it means to play the electric bass. When he came on the scene everyone played the bass like a stand up acoustic.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I listen to "Live at Leeds" once a week and marvel at Entwistle's talent. To the question - the Ox rules.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
For me it´s a question what abass player is needed for. If I had a poptune, pop ballad or even a pop/rock song written and needed someone to make up a bass arrangement and play it...I would be most secure with Paul McCartney.....but if it´s a jazz song or bebop or funk so and so...I´d go for another one....so it depends what the bass is needed for. Pual is so exellent to "play the song"...in the way that Ringo is so good....well so and so... thanks for the word!
Added 9 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
over-rated. The who had horribly sloppy drums which probably made Entwistle sound better. those little bass solo things he does add absolutely nothing to the songs.
Added 9 years ago by guest, -6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
For my money the bass solo on "Can you see the real me" from Quadrophenia is the greatest rock bass solo ever.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
How could anyone compare Paul McCartney to John. Granted Paul was good at what he does but how can anyone compare Silly Love Songs to We won't get fooled again?
Added 11 years ago by guest, 12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
John was The Greatest Rock Player in my lifetime. He played the bass like a lead guitar and had the fastest runs of all times.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The best player in rock field for sure!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 18 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Really? And that was all of 3 songs.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Yeah, BUT (sorry) he couldn't sing and play brilliant bass at the same time. The bass became very basic when he sang.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He's at #3. What else do you want?????
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The Ox deserves a better spot, he is the best bassist of this, the last, and all other aeons, he neved died, God just took bass lessons, HE IS THE CHUCK NORRIS OF BASS
Added 12 years ago by guest, 12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Actually, Mark should be rated about 35-40.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Anyone who thinks Mark King shouldn't be in the Top 50 Bass Players (Let alone Top 5!) clearly has no idea about the bass or what makes a great player. I have been playing bass for 25 years- he is one of the best- as is Entwhistle.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The best rock bassist ever. Him, Wooten, Jamerson and King would be my top four. All the rest trail behind. Far behind.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Johnny Thunderfingers....'nuff said!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
John Entwistle is the number "0" bass artist (sic) and can not be compared with anyone. thebassplayer
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Dude, this guy is the best out of all bass players, WAY better then McCartney!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
#1-McCartney #2-Entwistle. Stick a fork in it...DONE! ;D
Added 12 years ago by queenrosered, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Listen to his live version of "The Ox" at the royal Albert Hall. I'll think you'll be surprised to see THE god of bass. Other recordingstolisten : "My Generation", "The Real Me", "Overture", "Won't get fooled again"and "Sparks"
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The OX rules - greatest bass player ever!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He should b at the least # 2
Added 13 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Ok the Ox needs to be in the FIRST spot! Greatest of all time!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should be in the top 5
Added 13 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This is the greatest bass player of all time! Just watch the man play and you can't disagree!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Simply the best
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
met him once in Birmingham...style...1 great anchor man...R.I.P...........Mervin GershX
Added 13 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Agreed, top 2 for the OX!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
best bass player that ever lived!!!! ox had the most ability to play any style at any speed with total accuracy....much loved and missed.. LEGEND
Added 13 years ago by chap, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Entwistle only 6th? A joke right?
Added 13 years ago by coker65, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should be Top 2, at least. He practically invented the Rock Bass Solo.
Added 13 years ago by Antimonium, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Top two would work, as he was annoyed for years that he always ended up behind Paul McCartney in polls ;-) If proof is needed of just how good the Ox was, watch his 5:15 bass solo on YouTube - a classic.
Added 13 years ago by HeyDavidiii, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
John was voted "Bass Player of the Millennium"...surely that says it all?
Added 13 years ago by Lexy, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The first hit bass solo was My Generation - this man was a pioneer!
Added 14 years ago by zabadak, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
seriously? i mean, come on, this guy was a master at bass. he should be in the top two if anything. geez.
Added 14 years ago by bass.is.evan, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

3.

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Victor Wooten Report Abuse
3619 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 31 comments
Comments:
I saw Victor play at Guitar Center in Columbus Oh; a special appearance. His band for the evening was comprised of 2 bass players and a Spanish lady singing. While he is playing bass, I think he makes it a whole new instrument.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he plays the bass like its is life, still the best shredder i know
Added 9 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Very clean and so funky. Also very giving of his knowledge.
Added 9 years ago by tazzjazzbass, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Although I came here to look where Geddy Lee was, I saw Wooten on the list, and had to bump him. I am humbled to say he is a better bassist than Lee.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I like him..
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The god father of bass is and will always be Abe Laboriel Sr. He's the library all these guys pick from.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Best slap bar none.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Technically the best out there by a country mile. Incredible. But I still prefer Mark King when it comes to slap.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This guy shreds Flea!!!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Victor who?
Added 12 years ago by guest, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Victor Wooten is the Best by a longshot Bringing all sorts of sounds out of the Bass.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Victor is everything Flea wants to be.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Is just showing off to be like Flea! Is still good.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He's a bit slow and weak on technique, don't you you think?...Just kidding, of course, but I think he is better when he's not trying to dazzle us with complex tapping etc...otherwise he's a very soulful player.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
this man should be at the top.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Dude, get real Victor's the best bar-none.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
who care about this guy. Cliff Burton is the BASS GOD!
Added 13 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Victor is number one. This ranking is so wrong. Victor plays every style with ease, not everyone can play like victor. Players like Ab, John P., Jimmy H., and Hann are tops.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
VICTOR IS 1. NO CONTEST. RUNNER UP WOULD BE CLIFF FOLLOWED BY LES
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
All you have to do is see one of his solos, and you''ll be convinced. I honestly think, skill wise and the ability to create all those different sounds at once on a single 4 stringed bass is beyond amazing. He isnt even my favorite bass player (chris wolstenholme is my favourite).
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
why so low? he should easily be top 5 status
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
A unique bassist... who as reached the god type player with this instrument.. Victor is and will be the best bassist ever, even though Jaco deserves all our respect as a pioneer. Victor "The Great" Wooten!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Victor should be no1 in the world, just listen to "You cant hold no groove". He is the GOD of bass. Truly amazing.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
WHAT?! TOP 5 MAN VICTORS A BASS GOD.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Victor is definately a top 3 and he is surely one with the bass.. massive skills project him to one of the greatest who have ever palyed the instrument.. personnaly my favourite..
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
search this guy on youtube - he makes his bass sound like a whole band
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The only bassist I know of who can beat a guitarist in a guitar battle
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should be in the top 3. He is the most amazing bassist there is and very few bassists can even compare to his skill and talent.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Couldn't agree more that Victor should be higher. (top ten) The only bassist worthy to take on Jaco's mantle. Who else would you mention in the same sentence with Stanly Clark, and Jaco and not be laughed out of the room.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
There's no way this dude belongs all the way down here at 25. You can tell there aren't alot of people here who REALLY know this instrument. Victor is awesome, pays homage to Jaco Pastorious with his remake of "Portrait of Tracy" Takes the bass to new heights!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
A Living legend. Should be in top 10. Truly has taken the bass to a whole new level!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

4.

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Michael Giefer (Prescriptions and Timeless Band) Report Abuse
Plays the most acoustically perfect sets since Brewer and Shipley. Clean driving notes that rock!
3317 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 40 comments
Comments:
Does anyone know - is Heavy G still alive?
Added 1 month ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Bootsy and Buckethead and I were talking yesterday about how Heavy G’s been faring during the current COVID-19 crisis. No one has heard from him in weeks, and we all know how frail Heavy-G’s health is. He is as high-risk as they come. His personal doctors feel that he never really did get over that malaria he contracted in Nigeria. He’s a walking time bomb for sure. Prayers thrown up to Enon from Cincy babee! Don’t go switching frequencies on us yet Heavy! Keep laying down the funk!
Added 3 years ago by guest, 13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hey, I heard that too on a UFO blog! Could Heavy G really be Agent G? All hail G! The great and merciful G! Maybe is “guitar case” is a cover for a reverberating carbonizer with mutating capacity?
Added 4 years ago by guest, 16 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Word on the music scene is that Heavy G was observed accessing a top security installation, and carrying what appeared to be guitar case. What the hell is going on? First the rumors of his death, then the talk of his cryogenic suspended animation by the government, and now this? I’m not saying that aliens are involved somehow, but IT’S ALIENS! Outworld technology is the only thing that could be keeping that poor soul alive.
Added 4 years ago by guest, 15 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I talked my boyfriend into taking me to see the Buddy Guy concert at the Rose, but I really went to see if Gief was going to be on stage. He never played that night, but I could have swore I saw him in the audience with what I assume was his cute bodyguard. I couldn’t go ask for an autograph with my jealous boyfriend with me, but I sure wanted to. Even at his age, he’s still dreamy!
Added 4 years ago by guest, 18 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Could this be true? Rumor going around the Blues scene is that BOTH Buddy Guy and Kenny Wayne Shepherd are swinging into the Ohio area just to jam with the Master of the Blues/Funk Bass, Heavy-G! I can't believe it, but insiders at Legends in Chicago supposed let this info slip out this week. Amazing! Everyone wants to play with Heavy-G while he is still physically able. Sort of like it was with BB King right before the end. Maybe a duet album coming soon with Buddy and Heavy???
Added 4 years ago by guest, 19 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The husband and I saw Gief not too long ago at a local venue, and I don’t agree with the earlier comments on how he is not doing well, health-wise. He looks fine to me for a man his age. I would guess he’s in his late 60s or so, right? He didn’t seem any worse than Phil Collins or Peter Tork (before he died).
Added 4 years ago by guest, 21 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Saw the Notorious M.S.G. in concert again recently. Wow, the earlier comments are right on. He has aged significantly over the past few years. Does anyone know if he is okay? Sure, I guess everyone knew that his hard rock/funk lifesyle would catch up with him someday, but damn! Keith Richards looks like the picture of health next to Heavy G these days. So sad.
Added 4 years ago by guest, 22 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Is it just me, or is Heavy G looking more and more like that other master of the bass guitar, Peter Tork (I mean before he died). People say they both monkey around.
Added 4 years ago by guest, 23 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Saw the master this weekend at a show and honestly he's not aging well. The years of touring, hard drinking, Camel non-filters, and that well documented bout of gout and malaria he had are taking their toll. The gnarled, arthritic fingers seemed to cry out for relief, but he played on. One has to admire his courage. It was like watching Glen Campbell or Jerry Lewis at the end. Respect!
Added 4 years ago by guest, 25 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Word on the street is that the Pope himself contacted Heavy G personally and requested the Master of Enon Funk play a Catholic gig this summer in Dayton. No one lays down the low end to Ave Maria like G! Could there soon be another Saint Michael? Stay tuned funkateers...
Added 5 years ago by guest, 25 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Heavy-G was touring last week and was in Arkansas doing shows at smaller venues to maintain his connection with his roots. Amazing that at his age, and well documented health issues, he can still take it to the people. Heard he rocked the "Front Porch" venue, and brought the funk hard to the crowds there - the entire town turned out to show their respect to the master.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 28 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Update; The Vegas gigs are done and Heavy G is back in the Midwest. Insider info is that he will taking the P-funk to Yellow Springs soon, so get your Birkenstocks oiled up and your dreds cleaned. The low end will be coming down harder than when Bootsy Collins kicked the funk off the mothership!
Added 6 years ago by guest, 29 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hot news just in - Heavy G is heading to Vegas baby! Word is that he is playing 2 big shows on the strip - and may be sitting in with either Solidification or Necrotic Disgorgement at DeathFest 9.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 32 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Gief, is currently playing with Winchester Gray and 5. He enjoys the music.. And is good at it!
Added 7 years ago by guest, 20 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Fantastic job on stage with W.G.
Added 7 years ago by guest, 17 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
As if he already doesnt do it all.....this Swedish bass player now plays in Winchester Gray. Every weekend you will see "the gief" dropping hot licks, and be bopping around the stage with style. His bass rig has gotten smaller with time, and dont suggest bringing in more than a briefcase of gear no matter what instrument you play or you will get the eye. In giefs world all you need is fingers and 5 strings...no need for the extra gear to make people think youre talented. He is sponsored by ohio dairy farmers of America, how many bass players have that endorsement?
Added 7 years ago by guest, 19 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I once watched a bassist who I could have swore was Billy Sheehan but he moved quicker, slapped harder and harmonized smoother than I had EVER seen before. That man was whom I would later refer to as Heavy-G, Mike Giefer himself! The pink fingernails and permed fro will go down in history as the look of Heavy-G. Children will dress as him for Halloween and future bassists will awe in his mesmerizing presence on any groove he ever touched.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 22 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Well, he's done it again. Just when you think Heavy-G has settled into his twilight years, he takes it a new direction. Caught the brother both laying down the bass AND stomping in the percussion in a window in Troy! Looked like a deranged manaquin! Could not believe those old knees could take it, especially given his well known problems with chronic arthritis. Since he had that new hip put in, he's unstoppable!
Added 8 years ago by guest, 34 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Saw a show in Dayton this weekend. The master is not aging well physically, but he still has the baddest bass around. Hard to believe he can still stand and play that long, but what a show! He plays a wicked stepchild with that emancipated bass.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 26 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hotest bass licks since Boosty got the funk on the mothership with George. Gief's show at the Kennedy Center in 72 was epic. I never knew that Sweet-G jammed with Parliment in the session recordings back in Jersey. What a pedigree! Jaco's got nothing on this boy - fingers are solid gold.
Added 9 years ago by spacebass, 30 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Met the master at a museum last week. What a thrill! I never thought a star of his caliber actually walked among the common people. Personal, engaging, warm... Wow! He even signed my panties with a sharpie and let me and my husband take a photo for the grandkids.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 32 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Truly the Godfather of Bass
Added 9 years ago by guest, 22 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Everyone should come hear the man, the myth, the legend "the gief" on Dec 19th at spinoza's
Added 9 years ago by guest, 19 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Gief is still not my Dad, but I still wish he was. He rocks that Bass hard. The song "All about that Bass" was written about the G-mann and his riffs. Play on player...play on.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 22 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Heavy-G moved dat bass to Colorado to hit the Rocky Mountain music scene for a while. A precipitious drop in the funk was felt all over the Miami Valley... Funk, like matter, cannot be created or destroyed - it just changes form and location.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 29 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
EADG, This man knows how to run the strings. Unless you've been able to see him, you won't understand. 5!!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 17 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He's awesome. Reminds me a lot of Floyd Pepper from Dr Teeth and the Electric Mayhem band on the Muppet Show. Man...those were the days.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 15 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Caught the master playing in the Caribbean this week, bringing a wicked funk/reggae fusion thing to St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Versatile, innovative, and tan... Still not sure if he was wearing any clothes behind the low-strung bass... As usual, all the ladies went crazy!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 33 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
What is there left to say about Heavy-G? When he passes on, he'll have a first class seat on Bootsy's Mothership to that funk Heaven in the sky. He will always be not only Enon's finest bassist, but an inspiration to musicians worldwide. Rock on brother!
Added 10 years ago by guest, 35 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Michael also adds to the group 5 the band!
Added 10 years ago by guest, 23 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Master innovator! I haven't seen anything like what Gief can do with a bass since Tony Levin invented the Funk Fingers!!!
Added 10 years ago by guest, 23 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Gief's evolution as a bass master has been incomparable! I have followed his work since the 80's from wild Country and Western Hair metal to his rock solid grooving in the new millenium. A master entertainer who's crazy antics never disappoint!
Added 10 years ago by guest, 36 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
HUGE Gief fan!! I wish he was my dad. Best Bass Player EVER!!! Thump on man....Thump on
Added 10 years ago by guest, 26 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Gief has moved on, taking his music in a new direction. He now playing with 5, but still in Ohio. Like Madonna or Miley Cyrus, he is always reinventing himself, keeping it fresh and with the times.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 37 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Having moved on from The Prescriptions & The Timeless Band, his new project for the last few years is "5". Gief has now perfected the soulful delivered bass line and lays the foundation for 5's soaring vocals. Is there anything this cat can't do?!?!
Added 10 years ago by guest, 25 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The big concert this weekend was killer. Especially liked the moment of silence for you and your skills - then the crowd went wild... Best bass since that Misawa world tour time in Japan. Even at his age and eyesight, still never misses a beat!
Added 13 years ago by bass_fan, 30 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Gief Fan - I hear you. So little is know of Gief outside of Japan and Nigeria. You can really hear that jungle heritage in his music. You can almost feel the heat and smell the malaria. Since he came back to the States, I'm glad to see he is back with the band and done with his solo period. Abuja's loss is Ohio's gain! You Rock Gief!
Added 13 years ago by bass_fan, 41 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
What is "SO REMARKABLE" about Gief is not only the fact that he can play like he does, but not many know of the terrible difficulties and struggles he has had to overcome.....His numerous allergic food issues and his eyesight issue are only two of the many problems that plague him.
Added 13 years ago by Gief_Fan, 41 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I've been following Gief since he rocked Japan back in the day. No one comes close to those riffs. And sing... man he could wail the blues!
Added 13 years ago by bass_fan, 36 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

5.

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Jimmy Blanton (The Duke Ellington Orchestra) Report Abuse
3095 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 7 comments
Comments:
Mingus wouldn't have been Mingus had he not been influenced by Blanton.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
These peoples I am not before hearing is not the number of one like Flea. All peoples who knows the bass is voting Flea and songs in the discoteque and radio stations.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Guy Pratt? As if this list doesn't have enough session bassists already. However, I notice Roger Waters from Pink Floyd on the list.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Where is Guy Pratt from Pink Floyd.....????!!!!!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
They dont even have the greatest BASS GUITAR player on the list, He is better than half the people on this list, His name is.......MIKE INEZ, So everybody that is voting on this pole...RECOGNIZE!!! B-OTCH
Added 13 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
In his short life, this guy revolutionized bass. He originated pizzicato and bowed bass solos and, moved bass beyond just keeping quarter note tempos (this is how early of an innovator Blanton was) to eighth and sixteenth note runs, introduced melodic and harmonic techniques. This guy is truly the "grandfather" of modern bass.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I must say, I was expecting to see Jaco Pastorius or someone like that, but Jimmy Blanton as number one makes sense. Blanton redefined the role of Bass in modern music in a way that now spans all genres. The crowd on this website seems to really know its musical history,
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

6.

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Paul McCartney (The Beatles) Report Abuse
His status as one of the greatest songwriters of all time sometimes overshadows his other musical abilities, but there's no denying that McCartney was a master of the bass guitar. His crisp bass lines have become legendary and his mastery of the intricate arrangements of the later Beatles is astounding.
2727 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 44 comments
Comments:
Paul, top 5 bass player? Yeah, perhaps 40 years ago, these days there are so many who are better than he ever was simply because they came after. Strictly speaking of his technique, he doesn't belong on this list.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Easy for people looking back to say Paul is not that good, but I doubt that few of the jealous players could play the Revolution bass line (single 45 version) much less the bass line from Something. In fact the original bass line to Back in the USSR is actually quite challenging. Paul no longer seems to have the finger quickness required to play it today in his live concerts. In speaking to Victor Wooten a few years ago at a Guitar Center special appearance, he certainly gave Paul his due. And Paul is considered the best when playing the bass or any instrument to or for a song. I know it just irks the hell out of some bass players only playing in there basements that Paul McCartney is probably the most successful bass player to date.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hey bulldog and baby you're a rich man are among Paul's best work .incredible sounds and bass lines carry both songs
Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I understand he used flat-wound strings, but they sound great - not the horrible "donk donk" sound I usually associate with these. Sustain is not great, but that's his style.
Added 7 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Definitely has talent for composing but technically he is rubbish !
Added 8 years ago by guest, -8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
one of the best song writers and musicians the pop world will ever see. He originally was a guitar player for the Beatles. He plays the guitar solo on Taxman. He is a very average bass player. A couple interesting bass lines here and there from the white album but otherwise pretty average. He just happened to be in the most popular band in the world. I don'r even consider him a real bass player. Unbelievable song writer though.
Added 9 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
great songwriter not a great bassist
Added 9 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
When Paul took over bass from Stu Sutcliff, John Lennon said he was better in 3 weeks than Stu was after 3 years. Paul's bass playing gets overlooked by his singing and song writing, but I believe him to be the most naturally talented bass player of all time. His amazing melodic bass playing is so perfect at complimenting his music, you don't even realize how good he is.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Paul's bass playing is by far the most influential of all time, he will be revered hundreds of years from now and most of these guys are unknown now. What he adds to the songs on bass is magical its not how fast you play but how creative you are and let's face it no one on this list is anywhere near as creative as Paul or they would be the most successful musician in recorded history.which Paul already is.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The gayest bass player ever.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The only reason he's even on this list is because he was part the most overrated band ever, The Beatles
Added 11 years ago by guest, -24 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
If Paul was not such a great singer / song writer people would realize that he was one of the best bass players of all time, maybe the best. His bass playing was one of the key reasons the Beatles were great, listen to the songs and the bass riffs.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
would love to hear all the 'great' bass players sing and play . pure talent
Added 11 years ago by guest, 15 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
His bass playing is overlooked by the Beatles pop beat and his songwriting best of all time by far the most influential of all time
Added 12 years ago by guest, 12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
"Band on the run" must be the most out-of-tune bass playing in history. Did he bring his bass from outside in a U.K. winter into a hot studio, or was he just using his Hofner ?
Added 12 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The most melodic bass player of all time. Definitely should be top 5.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
GO MACCA!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
it is easy now do what he did, but he did in 60s, so, this is the difference.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
mccartneys a great bass player.... .. hes in the top 5 i think anyway
Added 12 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I really addicted to the bass line in HERE COMES THE SUN, LUCY IN THE SKY WITH DIAMONDS, SOMETHING, SGT PEPPERS LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND.... and more. He's an perfect artist, can do everything surprisingly.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He should be top 5 at least. That thing about Harrison playing bass has to be a joke. Harrison did play the bass in The long and winding road, hey jude, and others where Paul played the piano. Paul is the one who played in most of the songs. Bass, guitar, piano and even drums (Birthday)
Added 12 years ago by guest, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He's a musical genius. 'Nuff said.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
On Macca's mid-90's World Tour, I was 1 of thousands in the stands at the Sam Boyd Silver Bowl in Las Vegas who felt a THUMP THUMP THUMP! on my chest the minute Macca started the bass licks of "Silly Love Songs" and I am serious here...people were literally clutching their chests and opening their mouths in astonishment.Then when we realized (collectively!) that is wasn't our bodies from the inside, but the way his bass seemed to resonate from the inside out, we all smiled and enjoyed the hell out of the performance!The man was second to NONE. Period.
Added 12 years ago by queenrosered, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
You realize that negative comments like this only motivate McCartney fans to vote him up even higher, don't you?
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The only good musician in the Beatles was Harrison, and even his playing wasn't earthshattering. They were "pop craftsmen", not a rock band, and definitely not an inspiration to players.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -22 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
paul mcartney influences bassists to this day i think he should be at least number 2 if not number 1 and i couldnt tell you would be number one if hes number 2 but number 9 i dont think your giving him enough respect
Added 13 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
In regard to the Harrison comments, there is only one song where Harrison allegedly played bass: "She Said She Said". Supposedly, there was a squabble in the studio and Mac left for the day. Lennon plays bass (not very well) on "The Long And Winding Road", since it was cut as a group thing with no overdubs (aside from the Phil Spector stuff) and Mac was playing piano. McCartney was never a showoff on the bass, which is probably why he's so underrated. But as far as "playing the song" rather than "playing the bass", he's a master. Probably one of the most influential bassists in rock (aside from perhaps James Jamerson).
Added 13 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I've got to agree with dawkie -- Jaco Pastorius even cited McCartney and the Beatles as one of his influences.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
His playing on Rain amazes me every time.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
technically mediocre??? You are joking? What influences have all the young guys today that are new and groundbreaking that havn't copied McCartneys style?
Added 13 years ago by dawkie, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
technically mediocre, just here because of beatles fans. Great compositor, singer, but so so bass player, compared to all the young guys you find today with real bass background.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should add to my comment of a minute ago: the full interview text clears up and confirms that Harrison did NOT play bass (or claim to play bass) on many Beatles songs. McCartney did. If one were to read a few scattered out of context quotes, though, it could lead someone to believe that Harrison claims this, which is probably why someone commented to that effect here.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I read that Harrison interview with "Crawdaddy" (you can find it through an online search), I think if someone just looks up McCartney or Harrison on Wikipedia or something, you see that quote without the full context, Nevertheless, I think McCartney should rank higher than he does right now on this list. Top 12 at least.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The comment that George Harrison played most of the bass on the Beatles song is a serious error. If McCartney didn't play all of the bass he played 99% of it. Harrison must have been kidding in his interview or talking about someone else because he did not play bass on Beatles albums or live.
Added 13 years ago by Bernard Webb, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Definitely don't want to take things out of context with the George Harrison interview, especially when only bits of it are cited here and there. In the full interview (Crawdaddy, 1977) Harrison is pointedly asked if he played bass following his comment. His response was that, no, he'd play at times what was to be a song's bass line on guitar and Paul would play the actual bass track on bass, doubling it. Also, he went on to say that only a few songs would NOT have one of the members of the band playing on it. Let's get these things right, and, yes Sir Paul McCartney is a legendary bassist, deserving to be at least in the top 20 (hard to compete with the original Jazz players, but for rock, he's up there).
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He's a great bass composer more than a great bass performer. His ranking depends on what its more important for you. To me it seems that Paul had an approach to what a bass is supposed to do for the music which wasn't very common at that time. So I think he is in the chart for that, and not for being a virtuoso or anything like that. Also, it is true that The Beatles regularly played others instruments, depending on the song, but Paul McCartney definitely wrote the bass of almost all the songs, including John and George's songs.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Oop, don't want to take Harrison's quote out of context, it had a lot to do with how the Beatles worked in the studio. On the other hand, Paul played some guitar parts instead of George (lead on "Taxman" for example), not all of them recorded their primary instruments on every song, etc. Point remaining that, if you're just focusing on bass legends here, Paul is in the top 15 certainly, but I think this is a "reverence" rank for his overall contribution to music moreso than his skill as a bassist.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Paul McCartney is a legendary all around musician. However, in a bass player forum and ranking, let's consider: Paul only reluctantly played bass when Stuart Sutcliffe left the Beatles. George Harrison claims to have actually recorded a lot of the bass tracks on their studio work -- although Paul's songs of course were written by Paul, perhaps he just delegated the session work to George. So, respect for the musician, but top 10 bassist for the sake of ranking bassists. . . I wonder
Added 13 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The melody in his lines are what I love. They balance the songs and counter the other instruments. Treats the bass like an instrument for a virtuoso; not like a background filler for a knuckledragger.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Others are more technically proficient, but few remain more innovative and influential. He, along with the vastly underrated Peter Cetera in his early Chicago period, are my favorite bassists.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Just listen "Nowhere Man" and wonder what would this song be without Paul McCartney
Added 13 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
You'd be lying if you say you have not tried to add a McCartney slide into one of your bass lines. Truely influential member of the most influential band of all time.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Paul McCartney's ability is indeed a very outstanding one. His example greatly influenced the new era of music which encouraged every youth to value patience and hard work when it comes to music. He's my favorite bass player...
Added 13 years ago by Edrome Dueñas, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
McCartney influenced a generation of bass players and was a genius on tracks like 'I Want You (She's so Heavy)' number 3 works,
Added 13 years ago by HeyDavidiii, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

7.

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James Jamerson (all Tamla Motown hits) Report Abuse
2678 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 17 comments
Comments:
He was so frickin good the other Motown musicians would compose songs from his bass lines.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The reality is that the best musicians are jazz and blues players, because they must be proficient in EVERY key. Not only was Jamerson that, but he was just as dexterous on upright bass, and would often double his lines with, as well as sit in with the Detroit Symphony. Oh, until '65, all the funk brothers were given was chord sheets, so how many bass players can create bass lines, and steal the show without overshadowing the artist do you know?
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
If all listed above him have been influenced in some way by him, doesn't he belong higher by default? Remember this... he didn't HAVE anyone to emulate!!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
When my cover band does the Temps "Ain't to Proud to Beg", I play Jamerson's bass line note for note, it just feels sooo good!
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
James Jamerson was & still is # 1 in my book. Take away everything else on a Motown track but his Bass, and you still know the song by his feel, choice and notes and great sound ! Also love Chuck Rainey, Paul McCartney, Duck Dunn, Rocco Prestia, Carol Kaye, Joe Osborne, Jack Casady etc.... but hey, that's what's fun about making a list !
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
An inspiration for many bass players...
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jamerson was a real bass player. The other guys just have some tricks, but he made it groove. Sorry, 6 is just way too low. He should be above the other guys, perhaps at #1 or #2.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
My favourite and my true inspiration! The backbone of a band, really...The perfect mix between pasionate groove and personal ability! And how many rock bassists he was an influence on...amazing. He should be higher in any of such lists !
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
its upsetting to see jamerson ranked below flea...
Added 12 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
A Bass God. Top 5 at the very least. Every time I hear his lines, I smile. Incredible how he made it sound slightly different every time, or even find a whole new line in there that made every song he played on seem even better.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Whats going on here i mean this man here changed the way the bass was played most of these guys learned how to play the damn bass by listening to motown and it also pisses me off that bob babbitt or nate watts are not in the top ten !
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
To my understanding, if you were an artist for MoTown records in the 1960's and 70's and you wanted to have a hit song, what you would do was to run out to a bar in downtown Detroit and find yourself a Mr. James Jamerson to play bass for you. Even if he could not stand up to play, he would go into the studio and make whatever song you were recording pure gold. This is not make believe. Top 10 at least, but let's move him up.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
number one on this list HOW DARE YOU!!!! GREATEST MOTOWN BASSIST AND REGULAR BASSIST WHO EVER HAS OR WILL LIVE!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
You've got to be kidding. This guy should easily be in the top ten. He is probably the mentor of most on this list.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
without him ,, no bass playing seriously hello 1## Totally .... cant believe some in the top 20 even
Added 13 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
James Jamerson 38 REALLY? Top 5 at least. He has more 1 hits than the top ten combined. Now put that in your bass and thump it!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Influenced most of the guys in the top 10 of this list! Should be # 2!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

8.

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John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin) Report Abuse
The most underappreciated member of Led Zeppelin, Jones made all of Zeppelin's complex and difficult arrangements seem simple and was able to maintain order while following Bonham's anarchic and improvisational drumming.
2487 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 17 comments
Comments:
Hard to stand out in a band with Page, Plant, and Bonham. and he never tried, but JPJ is SOLID. Super talented, never made a mistake, flawless, fast, funky, and the glue that kept the boys tight.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Best
Added 8 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
18th for this guy is really underrated, this guy in LZII gives some incredible lesson of blues bass, i still remember how i was inspired by is clean and smooth bass lines when i played blues. He was absolutely a Master of Blues.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I can't believe John Paul Jones is only 18th on this list. He's not overrated, hes underrated. First of all, he's an amazing bass player, but he's also just an amazingly gifted musician, to all you haters out there, can you do better? What? Oh thats, right, no, you can't. Cuz no one can match that extremely high level of perfection and skill. LED ZEP FOREVER!!!!!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
A jack of all trades musician and master of nothing from the most over rated band in the history of rock.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -15 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
If we are talking as bass players, John Paul Jones is LED ZEP, absolutely brilliant musician !!!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 17 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
JPJ is hardly overrated -- I think it's just the opposite and in particular because he was overshadowed a bit by being in a band that had such great musicians in it all around. On every Zeppelin album, Jones has some agile bass lines that add volumes to the song. Who is Abraham Laboriel? Add him to the list so we can vote for him and thanks for the reference, I'll now go and look for some of his music and give it a listen.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
JPJ is one of the most OVERRATED Bass players. He is a better keyboardest and he is mediocre at best as a key player. He sucks as a bass player in my book! joerjc...
Added 13 years ago by guest, -17 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Where is Abraham Laboriel? Definitely number one in my book and surely I thought that he would make the top two on here! WOW!
Added 13 years ago by guest, -8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This man is the only reason I have decided to learn bass (and I assure you, I've heard almost all the bassists on this list). He ought to be really high up!! Top 5 imo.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
JPJ in Them Crooked Vultures and in Led Zeppelin, AMAZING BASS PLAYER!!! Should be moved up close to the top ten!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
JPJ is the greatest bassest (along with John Entwisle) who ever touched a bass. In the song "How many more times" (Live at Royal Albert Hall) he has an awesome bass solo at the beginning, it basically shook my house.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
sorry but for me JPJ is one of the most underrated bassists and artists of all time. I dont know any instrument he cant play. No forget about the ability and experience in studio. He made all Zeppelin songs sound 100x better
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Dude, should totally be no.1!! He's the one who inspired me to start playing and is my fav. member of Led Zeppelin. Its not just bass either, its keyboard, synthesizers, mandolin, acoustic guitar, recorder, etc. No Quarter is my favorite Zeppelin song and who wrote it? Jonesy, thats who. Placing him at number 21 is an insult. In my arrogant opinion, the list should be as so; 1) John Paul Jones 2) Geddy Lee 3) Phil Lesh 4) Les Claypool 5) Geezer Butler.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jones is way too underapreciated. If you ever listen to The Song Remains The Same (live album) and listen to the Whole Lotta Love track, listen to the part where it's that seductive part in it. listen to the bass. Hes jammin.,
Added 13 years ago by guest, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Bass god!!!! "the lemon song" "black dog"
Added 13 years ago by knob, 15 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
JPJ is my fav. He truly is a master.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

9.

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Geddy Lee (Rush) Report Abuse
Clean and crisp, Lee's bass lines allowed Rush to be a three man band that sounded like a full orchestra. he had a unique ability to create a wall of sound with the bass perfect for Rush's grandiose style
2409 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 33 comments
Comments:
Great bass player, but sounds like Mickey Mouse when he sings.
Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Greatest bassist ever, capable of beautiful intricacies and simple but powerful themes. It's a joke that Paul McCartney is on this list, and a cruel joke that he's higher than Weinrib, though who really cares, right?
Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
progressive rock bass with a drummer like Neil Pert is hard to pull offf. Good for him.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
the one and only
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
WAY OVER RATED!
Added 10 years ago by guest, -17 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Geddy Lee is undoubtedly the best bassist out there.
Added 11 years ago by larfen, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He's the best, He did it all!! Played crazy lines, while singing live! I do my best just to play them, I could not imagine singing like he does over them. He's a freak!!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
GEDDY LEE should be #1!!!!!
Added 11 years ago by LadyJoNJ, 14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Lee > Chuck Norris. 'Nuff said.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I agree with all comments.. he should be at least in top 3. I have seen Rush playing in Rotterdam and Geddy is stil going strong. Powerfull, clear and very accurate...
Added 12 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Nothing less than #1. Pure, raw, gifted. Enough said.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Geddy is Top 5, for sure -- just based on Snakes & Arrows alone. He seems to be improving with age, which is, in itself, quite remarkable. Judged by his work a decade ago, Top 20. Judged by the past decade, maybe #2 or #3. The bass lines are fluid, dramatic, memorable and require a virtuoso talent to pull them off. A gorgeous bass player. the playing, not the looking. Ha!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Geddy is an amazing bassist, singer and keyboard player, not to mention song writer. Rush is amazing in the studio and live. Geddy is should be way higher on the list.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Sure, he's a great player, as are most any of the ones mentioned are. Sure, some people cringe at the voice, but that isn't a deal breaker for me; after all, I have listened to Smashing Pumpkins in cold blood. Even so, enough with the progressive-rock fan-boy craze. He's not #1, and certainly not Top Ten. Heck, #13 is still overrated. He's a capable musician, but he just doesn't bring it.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Simplesmente o melhor! Som puro e vibrante, preciso e muuito veloz. Em 2 shows no Rio o Rush deixou um "quero mais". Espero que voltem logo! Pedro - Rio de Janeiro - Brasil
Added 12 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Geddylee is the best bass player I have ever heard hands down :) "The Holy Trinity" < says it all
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
You know, I never see anyone who's actually capable of pointing out any flaws in Geddy's Bass playing. They either don't like Rush's music, or can't stand his voice, or just think he's overrated, etc. It's fine to think other people are better, but not that Geddy is worse. You don't need to prove why you think someone is better, but you do need to back up your reasoning if you claim someone is actually WORSE. He's my personal favorite, and he's definitely in the top 10, in My opinion.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I have to agree bout the tom sawyer comment that song sucks really bad and that drummer that rushs got everyone always talkn bout how great he is maybe if he was in a better band anybody that is a rush fan sucks too!!!!!
Added 12 years ago by guest, -15 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Rush is one of those progressive rock fanboy bands for the most part. Geddy Lee is a very talented bass player but I think it's hard for most people to get past "Tom Sawyer" (which is probably their most popular song). Their songs tend to be too long, over instrumented, and Lee's vocal style is more something to look past than anything really great. It's almost like Yes, where, if you can't stand the singer's voice, you're just not going to listen to that band's music very much.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I HEAR RUSH ON THE BONYARD ALL THE TIME GEDDY LEE HAS TO PAY THEM TO PLAY THAT MUSIC CONSTANTLY. CUZ THAT CRAP IS OVERRATED NOISE. WORKING MAN NEEDS TO WORK A LITTLE HARDER ON WRITING..SYNTHESIZERS THAT MUSIC MAKES ME THINK LITTLE TROLLS WILL POP UP AND RAINBOWS AND CASTLE'S AND SOMEBODY CAST'S A SPELL ON YOU..
Added 12 years ago by guest, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
" "This list is a fanboy popularity contest, not a measure of talent or influence on other musicians. If it were, Lee would be top five." -- said the Rush fanboy.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This list is a fanboy popularity contest, not a measure of talent or influence on other musicians. If it were, Lee would be top five.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Makes sense to me. I'd rate Lee higher than Claypool, though. Otherwise, number 15 sounds about right (so, yeah, I'd rank Claypool lower at maybe 16 or 17).
Added 12 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Flea is #1, Geddy Lee is #15 - how is that difficult to understand?
Added 12 years ago by guest, -8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
You have to be kidding me Geddy needs to be in the top two not down here i mean jesus people pull your heads outa your asses
Added 12 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Say "Geddy Lee" - best bass player ever
Added 13 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Rush! Man, finding this list makes me want to go back and listen to some of my old music collection. Geddy Lee, Neil Peart, Alex Lifeson -- one of rare those convergences of talent forming a timeless band.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
What's with the past tense in this blurb, BTW? Rush is still going strong, and as performers all three of them are still at the top of their respective games.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
What many of you don't understand is Geddy Lee does three things at once. He plays the bass, sings and plays the keyboard for Rush. None of the bassists on this list can say that they do that besides him. Geddy Lee is a GOD.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
What's incredible is that he actually sings rhythm over some these basslines! Just *try* singing *and* playing the bassline to "Circumstances"! He's amazing!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I love RUSH and clearly Lee is outstanding. But #1. I don't think this is accurate. Top 20 though.
Added 13 years ago by flarkjr, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I saw Rush again last week (in Quebec city). Geddy s base playing is definitively top notch. The sound is so clear, so pure. Glad to see that his talent is being recognized by you guys.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Geddy is a bass god and is definitely worthy of the no.1 spot. Rush is a greatly underappreciated band as a whole, but it is nice to see the power trio recognized by their individual talents.
Added 14 years ago by yyztsejam, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

10.

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Charles Mingus Report Abuse
he was one of the first to bring the bass to a new level never seen before
2356 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 8 comments
Comments:
Is this man the Flea of Jazz??? HE INFLUENCED FLEA!!!
Added 10 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Well good old Charles can't be rated 8th, sorry... no way... we are taking about a legend of jazz. He made history by himself. It's an other class at all
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Is this man the Flea of the jazz? If yes, then high fives to his being the number of three!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Master bass player and genius composer. If he's not in the top 5 then humanity is not worth saving.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
TOP 5 FOR SURE!! "YOU CAN'T HOLD NO GROOVE, IF YOU AIN'T GOT NO POCKET"
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Without a doubt -the best -period. The first bass player to have people line up to play with him. The Master, the end.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should be # 1!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Considered a jazz bass prodigy he played with Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington , Lionel Hampton, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Bud Powell, and Max Roach. With the last four mentioned he was a member of one of the greatest Live Jazz recordings ; "Jazz at Massey Hall”. He also composed and leader bands during the Bebop, Avant-garde jazz, Post-bop, and Third stream Jazz periods. A true Jazz and Bass Legend.
Added 13 years ago by dc99, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

11.

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Michael "Flea" Balzary (Red Hot Chili Peppers) Report Abuse
2240 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 41 comments
Comments:
he plays like a flea
Added 9 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
HE DESERVES TO BE NUMBER 1!!!! AMAZING STYLE AND PRECISION AND SPEED!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
How he moves and jumps around the way he does and still is precise and accurate amazes me. All these others just stand there and sound good but Flea does it while running around like a mad man.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Flea is the greatest bass player of all time he brought so much to the instrument. He has done things with the bass that no one else has he deserves to be at least no. 2 on this list if not no. 1.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is not the best bass player of all time, but he has brought a lot of recognition to the instrument, and has probably inspired legions of players. He does hold his own, in the genre he plays.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
FLEA should Totaly Be #1 he deserves he took FUNK to a whole nother level lml... he is amazing ... come on listen to som Mother's Milk he jams Out ilike no one else! :3 AMAZING LOVE FLEA!
Added 11 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
No way should Flea be this high (#5). Don't get me wrong he is an amazing bass player, but the only reason he is so high is because of RHP and name recognition. Lesser known people don't have a chance when facing a radio favorite.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This guy is seriously over rated. He's popular because of the slapping but he's not even that good at it. Compare him with Mark King on YouTube then tell me he deserves to be number 5 on here.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he is good, very good, but he isnt that great. the fact is thay his songs have realy good bass rifts
Added 12 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I have no idea why Flea is this high up on the list. He belongs 20-25th ONLY because how popular his music is, if we're talking technique and pure chops? MAYBE 60-70th. There is nothing advanced about his playing at all, it's just that there are so many damn kiss-ass fanboys out there that make him out to be something hes not.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -16 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Sounds like someone is crying because their fan boy is ranked lower than the great Flea!! As someone who has played the bass semi- and professionally for over 30 years, I know the difference. Both are great in their own right. If you don't like the voting, go elsewhere.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Put Flea next to Mark King. Mark King is better anytime, anyplace, anywhere. Flea is good and above average, but when it comes to slap, there is only one King and that is Mark King.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Flea is amazing!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
What a bull**** list!!! No way this guy is better than Bernard Edwards from Chic or Louis Johnson of the Brothers Johnson! In fact I'll go as far as saying Rock music comes up short in the Bass department. You have to Funk, R&B and Soul to find the killer bass players. OUT!
Added 12 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
With all respect to every other bassist, WHERE THE **** IS LES CLAYPOOL?!?!?!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I'm glad people made the right decision to vote Flea up here because he blatantly deserves it! Funky Monks is a pure example of his superior funkiness! Anyways, yeah he's number one in my opinion and many others would agree so!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
a cheaper version of Larry Graham, the real #1
Added 12 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
how is it possible that I, an ordinary boy from the Czech Republic'll play bass for his arty, when listening to red hot chili peppers??? firelover@centrum.cz
Added 12 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
flea rules :) he's the best bass player xD
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hyuck, yeah, Kirst Novoselic and those three clunky notes in that song Polly make it so he should be #1, not Flea, Yeah, Flea with all of his musicianship and creativity and techniques that other bassists try to achieve and fail. His fusion of just about any form of music, and how his name has become synonymous with great bass players in modern times. Oh no, Novoselic should be up here instead. Hur, hur, hur, hur, hur
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Flea is good no doubt but not number 1 but if they were Gona rank the bass players with the most jacked up teeth he would secure the no. 1 spot for sure krist novoselic is no. 1.. anybody that has any knowledge about music knows this for sure that bass break in Polly is the best nirvana will never die!!!!!
Added 12 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I also am happy to see Flea as #1, is unbelievable good news to see this.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I can't believe this....Flea on # 1....he is way overrated
Added 12 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
When it comes to pure talent, Flea is unmatched.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Flea is number one on here because the smart people who vote on this list realize that being a good musician also means playing music that people actually like.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hooray! Is number one Flea!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This awsome man is one of my greatest all-time idols. His strumming feels like lumps all through your body and very fast moving. In my opinion, sorry guys if you disagree (you're in your right to do so) flea should be second (and good old Jaco 1st).
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Awesome bassist fore sure. i take alotta y influence from him for his sheer energy. but to be completely honest. he cant really compare to victor wooten or alotta the bassists up here. great showman fantastic bassist but hes kinda limited
Added 13 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Flea has to be one of the greats. he has taken bass to a whole new level. i know most people can argue that he didn't start anything, but he did. he started the awesome bassists of the 21st century. he will live forever and ever. RHCP FOR LIFE!!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I had to look up who Jimmy Blanton was, too. From a pure influence standpoint, he's one of the originators of the bass techniques all of these other players (including Charles Mingus) adopted. That said, we're talking 1930's era upright bass player, before the bass guitar was even produced, so he didn't rock the funk like Flea does.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
In my opinion he should be the number one. Never heard for Jimmy Blanton before , probably because he died long time ago before I was born .. Anyway , second place is good too ^_^
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He's such a great bassist. He looks very good at the top.
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hmmmm.. good jobs flea.. you're very interesting when you play your guitar bass..
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Dude, this guy should be #1, come on!!! This guy can play any style of music without hesitating. No offense to John, Cliff or Charles, but this guy beats them all hands down. Just listen to Can't Stop, Give it Away or even the whole Californication album. Even in his early years: Fight like a Brave and Out in LA. He fuses every style of bass playing to create ONE sound, nobody did before him, and no one will ever do something like he did after him. He should be at the top of this list, period.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Flea has a career that spans over 25 years and introduced funk bass to a whole new generation and audience. I wonder how many people under 40 today would even be aware of Larry Graham or Bootsy Collins without having heard of Flea first.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
ummm i'm pretty sure flea should be #1, listen to the bass on their earlier albums, he is OWNING those songs...
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Umm, why the **** is Flea all the way down here...
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I saw Flea in concert. He was amazing. Great entertainer and bass player. Why is he not top 10?
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Flea is amazing! he has to be AT LEAST top 10.. I mean just listen to "soul to squeeze" or "hard to concentrate" or "animal bar"!! such a beast!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
why is he 58????????????? this is soooo messed up
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Probably the most entertaining bass player I've ever seen! (oh, anyone else noticed he's listed twice in this poll?)
Added 14 years ago by yyztsejam, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

12.

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Larry Graham (Sly & The Family Stone) Report Abuse
2208 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 7 comments
Comments:
What would funk music be without you Larry ? God bless you !!!
Added 8 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The people who created this list must be primarily rock listeners, so by default they know little about Black music. Larry not only invented the slap bass techniques, he also, along with Sly Stone, created the early funk music genre ( sing a simple song ). Bootsy Collins, Rick James, Louis Johnson, and Prince should be in the top 10. Remember this:if I influence you, shouldn't I rank at least equal to you?
Added 9 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
How is Flea #1 and Larry Graham is ranked all the way at 17. I don't know for sure, but I'd speculate that Flea himself would rank Larry Graham (and probably Bootsie Collins also0 higher than himself.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
larry should be near the top rather than anyone from Metallica! Rock bass players would flounder if they had to do funk.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Exactly!! The highest rated should be, Larry, Louis,Stanley and Victor.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Right?...who did do this list Larry was the reason for the pluck and slap along with LOUIS JOHNSON from the Brothers Johnson...and they have Jaco Pastorious as what no#3 or 4?...
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Who did this list? Larry is reason why the pluck and the slap are in music today
Added 14 years ago by dstaylor212, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

13.

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Marcus Miller Report Abuse
2092 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 8 comments
Comments:
Nobody can be better than him !
Added 10 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
It very sad that people don't respect greatness.Marcus Miller is most sought after musician on the planet.His work speaks for itself.Top 2 at worse.Jaco has passed.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
a bit underrating is'nt? only the job he made with Miles for not to mention the other, personally i consider him #2 after Jaco of course.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Marcus Miller should definitely be TOP 10!!! His discography, his production,not to mention his STYLE of playing the bass!!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Nowadays, there is not another sound like him. Now he is the best.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
36th? Marcus Miller has worked on more than 500 albums to include Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Mariah Carey and the Chairman of the board himself Frank Sinatra.... Are you freaking kidding me? This why I dont like these list. They are so genre bias. This guy is a living legend. And all of these guys on this list if they are honest about it they would agree.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Are you kidding me? Marcus Miller! Played with Miles Davis! Wrote Tutu... Wrote and produced for Luther Vandross! Marcus Redefinded the "Cool" Not to mention the many other instruments that he masters! He is the Musicians Musician. More than anyone on this list.. That includes Jaco and Stanley!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Just caught on to Marcus Miller, he's awesome! His music, arrangements, really melodic, and funky, and spiritual, and beautiful all at the same time
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

14.

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Stanley Clarke Report Abuse
2035 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 12 comments
Comments:
yeah, not much feel. He plays very ambitiously, but he plays like a white guy. Lousy alembic tone. He does some pretty good film scoring. He's a good musician, but his fingers are too long for what he's trying to do. On a side note-Big L. Ron Hubbard guy
Added 9 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Great player but with not much feeling
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Larry Graham who popularize slappin' Stanley Clark brought the bass playing to the leve what is is now, back in the 1970s.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is the best of the best. Maybe not so flashy as (very) few others, but listen to School days in the live 76-77 CD or in the live at the Greek CD, and then you cannot leave him at #15. He deserves a place up there with Jaco.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
A technical master with the soul of a great blues guitarist. Stanley has done more to advance the bass guitar than anyone I've ever heard, and he's a virtuoso on the acoustic upright, also. Phenomenal. Listen to the original studio versions of "School Days," "Rock N Roll Jelly," and Return To Forever's "Romantic Warrior," and find me a bass guitarist that can equal the bass playing on any one of those cuts.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
blows everybody else away, the hendrix of bass
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should be in the top 10, he can make any bass sound amazing
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should definitely be way higher. This guy can play every kind of bass. Clearly a virtuoso. And to think.... he only picked up the bass because it was left over when he was trying out for band in school. I f he arrives earlier to class, we have Stanley .........on the drums? Q-Tip says, "Nah."
Added 13 years ago by flarkjr, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
When his bass plays you know it's him! he has a "signiture sound" like no other. Very humble brother as well.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Yes the greatest of all. Saw him in the 70's in L.A. with George Duke. Go 3 1/2 minutes into this video and watch him jam for a couple of minutes with Armand www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbzUM6y6jNY
Added 13 years ago by RockAnthemGuy, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
agreed stanley is pryetty much awesome
Added 13 years ago by Lord_nikon, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This Guy changed the game on how the bass is played. Everyone above him cant even carry his case!
Added 14 years ago by dstaylor212, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

15.

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Willie Dixon Report Abuse
Blues Stand-up Bass player one of the founders of Chicago Blues he wrote "Little Red Rooster", "Hoochie Coochie Man", "Evil", "Spoonful", "Back Door Man", "I Just Want to Make Love to You", "I Ain't Superstitious", "My Babe", "Wang Dang Doodle", and "Bring It On Home".
1818 points - added 13 years ago by dc99 - 4 comments
Comments:
It's not a mistake that he is known as Mr. Bassology....now IS IT??
Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Why are people debating Flea on the Willie Dixon entry, have some respect, Dixon was a founder of the whole Chicago Blues movement.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
flea doesnt even belong in top 20..
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this should be the flea
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16.

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Abe Laboriel Sr. Report Abuse
Undoubtedly one of the best jazz bass players you will ever come across.
1782 points - added 13 years ago by jazzdave - 10 comments
Comments:
Abe's at 15 because this is actually a popularity contest. He's better than almost everyone above him --- I'd put Abe, Jaco, and Victor at the top three on this list (not sure what order exactly) despite the fact that there's no doubt the rest of the guys are also very good. There is a REASON he's the most recorded of all time.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I've been an Abe fan for years and he is in my opinion the best. I hate saying that because there are many many greats. It's hard to compare different styles, but his unique playing allows him to be versatile and play with most genres of music. I know of him because I'm a bass player in the gospel field, but not limited to that genre.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He's the best, no doubt about that. The reason people don't know him much is cos he's more into gospel, so you can't hear much from him unless you get into gospel.... Guys you are all missing something..
Added 11 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
His dad was a pro flamenco guitar player from Mexico. He has probably played on more Top 10 hits on this list than anyone - but don't let that turn you off. He can make anything groove. His band Koinonia is phenomenal...
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Abraham Laboriel is one of the top Bass Player of all times. He spent a lot of time in the studio, so you won't see him touring with some crazy ass band. He has a super low profile. But you can hear him on many of the super hits of the 80's and beyond. Check him out on YouTube, he'll make most bass players on this list look like garage band players.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Unbelievable gospel and session musician. Look up "Give and it will come back to you" on you tube. Session work with Paul SImon. His son is McCartney's drummer.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
One of the greatest bassist, he has invented slap techniques and recorded more than 2000 songs… his style is awesome… he should be higher in this ranking
Added 12 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
#88?come now,this cat is suppose to be on the top 10.See him play live in switzerland,the best.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Played on a wonderful album by Randy Crawford called Secret Combination
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Has played more recording sessions than practically any other bass player in history.
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17.

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Cliff Lee Burton (Metallica) Report Abuse
1710 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 46 comments
Comments:
For sure a great bass player and very creative. I just don't see him being the number though guys.. Just my opinion though! I do enjoy his songs!
Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
i think a lot of people under rate him and over rate him he help build metallica to this very day i think if cliff wasn't apart of metallica they be where they are to this very day they all played there. but cliff gave a lot into metallica people talk about enter sandman a lot in my opinion i think enter sandman is there worse single ever!!!!! what about fade black? nobody talk's about fade to black only the real metal fans!!!!! cliff was something very special.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I love cliff burtton and old Metallica and watching day at the green in 85 for whom the bell tolls is amazing and is a day that changed trash metal world and genre in general. Never saw him play and I wish I could have. I think he deserves any top ten spot on this list but I wouldn't rank him number one because there are many a great bassists that I'm sure influence cliff as much as he has bassists after him. Died too young and Metallica in my opinion died with him.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
if cliff burton is number 9, then lemmy kilmester should be at least 8... in this list no one can make up for 2 instruments, guitar and bass..... no disrespect to the guitarist of motorhead, but the drumer and lemmy could play alone and sound badass... just saying
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
How can anyone say "without a douby number 1" for any of these bassists? For one to say that would imply that one is completely familiar wih all of the other bassists on the list, and has cast aside pedjudice. Not likely.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Without a doubt number 1, all you need to do is listen to the bass in any of Metallica's first 3 albums. Just ridiculous. If he was still alive this would be no contest.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
dude he should be number one in my oppinion
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
no doubt.. he is really one of the best bassist player of all time.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Great bass player but overrated. I think dying young in a tragic accident "undeservidely" raised his stock a couple of notches.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Overrated.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
How the hell is this guy in front of Les Claypool?
Added 12 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
shame*
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He should be #1. No other spot for Cliff. Same on you people...
Added 12 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
cliff was speed! i haven't see any bassist with such velocity with fingers!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he should be 1 or 2, at least....
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he's awesome...
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Wtf? Why isn't he no1, or 2 at least. He could play with fingers songs, that some can't play with picks. R.I.P. Clifford Lee Burton
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Dude, relax, your attitude is probably getting Cliff voted down. I'd rather see him at #5 than #10 or 11.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Anesthesia = "mostly arpeggios played through distortion, I believe a flanger pedal, and a wah wah pedal" Too many metal bassists make a big deal over the fact that Kill'em All featured a long bass solo as a song. Cliff's contribution was much more than that one solo. It actually weakens your argument to continually rely on it as proof of his skill.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Rock on cliff rules!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Cliff Burton certainly had his influences, they include Geezer Butler, Steve Harris, and Geddy Lee. I'm a huge fan of Burton-era Metallica also, but let's get our facts straight here.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Listen to for whom the bell tolls when the played day on the green.. Makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck!!!!! Clifford lee Burton 1962 to 1986... One of a kind.... Metal up your ass!!!!!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I call b.s. to that last comment -- Metallica didn't get popular or mainstream until later. He's not considered great "because he died" but because he was an innovator in his musical genre. Sounds like someone is jealous that it's Cliff up here instead of your personal favorite bass player.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Popular does not mean good. People only speak of him as "great" because he died.
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I wonders if Cliff Lee Burton did meet Flea on old days. Cliff good for Metallica, make them great band, sad what happen.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Down tune to a C? What do you mean? Metallica used standard tunings CLiff-era. Not sure if Newsted hit that low B string on his 5 string much, but Cliff used pretty much a standard EADG tuned 4 string bass.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Down tune to a C, and you will sound as great as Cliff, great player.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I've seen Metallica 11 times post-Cliff and they are in a class of their own as performers with an unmatchable stage presence. Cliff is THE definitive bassist of our time and will be an inspiration for generations to come!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Probably the best Thrash metal bassist ever, sucks that he's dead. I can play his song but I can't keep the tempo yet, sadly.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
FIrst, Burton was a metal bass great. There's a lot of focus on his solos, but really, if you listen to the Albums Kill 'em All through Master of Puppets, what you'll hear is complex, innovative bass playing on every song. For those who might want to go revisit early Metallica, check out Cliff's bass on the song "The Call of Ktulu" (incidentally, former lead guitarist Dave Mustaine got a co-writing credit on this one, too, although he'd long since left Metallica before it was released ) on "Ride the Lightning"
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Cliff...man I am a bass player and i have some experience... Cliff is no 1 4 ever...compare all bass solos the world with Orion basses solos and u will see...^^
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
ya.. but i think Cliff lee burton should be number one..
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Cliff Burton was the best period...
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Cliff burton should be number one... no question
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Clifford Lee Burton Need I say any more?
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Probably the greatest man who ever picked a bass guitar, he's sound was so intense, deep and beyond examples that Metallica was pretty much Cliff's band in the old days. Influenced by punk, heavy metal and psychodelic rock Clifford Burton is the Hendrix of the bass, one of a million that can never be matched by other bassist. God bless him.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I think Metallica was at its best with Cliff Burton. Goes to show how much an outstanding bassist can contribute to a band's overall sound.
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what? he is the man who made orion he's nr 1 !!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Has to be nr 1 by far
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
anesthesia and for whom the bell tolls were some of the best bass songs. he has to be at least no. 3
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
HE HAS TO BE NUMBER 1!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
What? He is the BEST. Hear orion bass solos, anesthesia, for whom the bell tols intro COME ON!
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
why the hell is cliff no 19? should be no 1 or 2 at least. and flea too
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
i never got to see cliff either, but did get to see Metallica in '88. They rocked, but i really would have loved to have seen cliff
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I saw Metallica open for Ozzy in '86 before Cliff passed. A great player with a great stage presence.
Added 13 years ago by coker65, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Never got to see you play live...but your music will remain as part of the best metal to have ever been created.
Added 14 years ago by yyztsejam, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

18.

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Steve Harris (Iron Maiden) Report Abuse
1704 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 28 comments
Comments:
Steve is one of the greatest HEAVY METAL bassists of all time, period. His galloping technique glues everything what Iron Maiden is, in such a harmony and perfection. There is no one standout bass player that covers all genres. For example Paul Mcartney does not really stand out as one of the best bass players in the World, he is more known for being a beatle, you dont listen to their songs and say "Holy **** I want to play bass like Paul". Steve hits every note directly to your brain cells!
Added 10 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Crazy lines, and crazy energy - He's the best metal bass player
Added 11 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Oke im sorry to say to all you haters, but id love to see some of the other bassist try and play teh fckin bass in "caught somewhere in time". watch the the bones in there body shatter as the sheer awesomeness takes over and crushes there soul. Steve may not be the best, but he can play what no one else can play.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
ha..if you tried to play his stuff, you would break your fingers.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He's mediocre.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I have seen him play live and i must say that he is the single best bass player of all time. OH and he can sing! take that other bass players.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
best bassist eva. He made Iron Maiden's sound what it is.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Harris would be number one or two on a list with just metal bassists for sure. It's great to see him in the top 10 at least.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
listening to him is fun, at best, but it is kids stuff.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Best bassist of all time -- any genre. Outstanding songwriter and lyricist as well. Who else's music could you bring into 10th grade English class and have count as extra credit on your book report?
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Or number 1
Added 13 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Harris should at least be near Cliff Burton . He is a genius and an idol.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
best bassist in th world, no dought
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I see a lot of those bassists on this list, somewhere in the top 100 -- there are a lot and, yeah, people are going to vote up musicians they've actually heard of. I agree that there are some oddities, though -- even some puzzling line that has Yo Yo Ma (a Cellist!!) and Leroy Vinnegar (only misspelled)) on it as a single item. What does Peter Tork have to do with Steve Harris?
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
When I look at this list, I think the top 50 contains the right names but maybe not in the right order. I agree, however, that Harris ranks up way higher than most classic rock and progressive rock bass players (although, that's an interesting statement about how Maiden could be the metal version of progressive rock). The R&B, Blues, Funk, Jazz, and Soul bassists deserve respect. I can't stand Country-Western music, but notice there are no bassists from that genre listed -- come on, there has to be some upright bass player from the 40's-50's era of that genre or something who deserves some kind of top 50 ranking.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Steve revolutionized heavy metal bass. the man can be considered a god.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
You know what. . . go listen to "Live After Death" again (assuming you've heard it at all). Harris's bass gets the same volume in the mix as the vocals. Harris wrote about 80% (or more) of those songs. Harris's technique and creativity make him at least a top 5 bassist on this list; I think having him at #1 validates most of this ranking, although I disagree with just about everone else until Wooten except for Burton.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
C'mon... everybody who knows about music knows that S. Harris is a good bassist but not even close to the best one. Do something and get Wooten, Jaco, and many other better bassists up to the top ones.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Because it's open voting on the Internet, what do you expect? Although, Steve Harris is an outstanding bassist -- at least in the top 20 in my own estimation.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This is so mixed up. Steve Harris as number one, are you serious? Is this truly a best bassist list or a "My favorite bassist list." There is so many all round better bassist than these top ten. I mean, Kim Deal as the second best bassist for all time? Give me a break. Do people actually listen to different types of bassists or just the ones they like, and if so how can you comment on this wall.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
this should be more specific to genre of music.... Ever heard of Jaco, Jamers Jammerson, Victor wooten.....Each one of those names would make any of these rock clowns combined look like little girls....lol
Added 13 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Steve Harris is No.1; you gotta be joking -- Metallica do not produce the same quality as Iron Maiden. It is not even close -- get real!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
steve is THE best bassist ever..he should be at number 1
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Steve Harris and Iron Maiden in general are interesting in that they could almost be considered a progressive rock and metal fusion (much, much heavier music than, for example, "Yes" but no less complex in many regards).
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Below Paul McCartney? WTF?
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Why is this guy not number 1? He's written just about every Iron Maiden song and plays flawlessly.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Another living legend! His career, style and stage energy are unseen. I think one of the thing to consider is the number of people who has been inspired by him... A LOT!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This man is the greatest bass player on this list at the exception of geddy lee. just watch him play live. he kicks ass.
Added 14 years ago by TheTrooper99, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

19.

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Bootsy Collins (Funkadelic) Report Abuse
1649 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 5 comments
Comments:
Bootsy is easily the greatest bass player of all time ....He's what Ali is to boxing.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Although the list boasts a number of great bassists, Bootsy, certainly should be among the top 10. Funky, Jazzy , Masterful, he has always been one of the most sought after bassists on many musicians recordings. His credits don't just stop with Clinton and JB.
Added 12 years ago by Bison7956, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Bootsy is on the one and should be #1. We Want Bootsy......
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Underrated in all top bassist lists!!!!!!!!!!!!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should definitely be in the top ten. Just ask George Clinton and James Brown. Bootsie IZ funk bass at its finest!
Added 13 years ago by flarkjr, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

20.

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Tony Levin (King Crimson, session man) Report Abuse
1507 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 11 comments
Comments:
'chapman' , 'stick', ... education session ... hamilton, ontario, 'corktown tavern'... 'washburn bantem / fender jazz' -mark- @wheel's...
Added 11 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Tony Levin is in league of own. Fabulous bassist. He has my vote.
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Really amazing bass player and arguably deserves to be higher in this list. Suggest listening to the album (or live) versions of Secret World (Peter Gabriel) to get a sense of what he brings to a track.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Upon a few moments' reflection, I conclude that Peter Gabriel is not exactly a selling point here in getting more votes for Levin.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Peter Gabriel's music wouldn't be the same without him. That's why he's used him for three decades!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
At this point, 1 vote would bring him up from 172 to about 161. Why do people complain, but don't even vote?
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I had to scroll down to 169 to see where you fools had him listed ? An innovator, a master, and top 10 for anybody who knows anything !
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Session players are always going to be more highly regarded by other musicians than they are the general public. Probably most people you talk to would know who Peter Gabriel is but be unable to name who plays bass for him. That leaves the King Crimson fan club who would recognize Levin's work.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
His work as Peter Gabriel's principal bass guitarist for over three decades is legendary!!!! Very unique. Bewildering.
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Listen to Discipline for a superb bass (and Chapman Stick!) album.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This guy is amazing!
Added 14 years ago by yyztsejam, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

21.

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Les Claypool (Primus) Report Abuse
1461 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 27 comments
Comments:
I know he's very skilled, but I just cannot stand Primus, and would put him lower.
Added 9 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Les Claypool , really maybe ranked 1000th
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He wasn't accepted to Metallica because of a few reasons and none being that he was too good. 1. He played for whom the bell tolls and didn't know the opening riff was on bass and it was an awkward moment when the band was waiting for him to start playing it. 2. He said in an interview that, "The band was in all black, I had two different colors shoes on, ripped skater jeans and a blonde mohawk. There's a reason I didn't get the job."
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
wasn't accepted to Metallica because band members thought he was too good. just sayin...
Added 12 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Needs to be WAY higher.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 16 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Les in my opinion is second only to Victor Wooten. Les is a virtuoso, he has mastered so many techniques on bass and can play anything he wants! Besides his songs he can also cover songs as good or better than the original.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Vote the bassist not the band. . . The Bassist everybody! The Bassist!!!
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I believe that Claypool could be considered the #1 slap bass player.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
should be #1!!!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
les claypool is no doubt the greatest bass player
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Les could easily be in the top 5 and top 3 for slap bass artists, he is incredible. but les said himeself thats his music wont catch you on the first listen. frizzle fry was an amazing album, their pink floyd cover of the album animals was also very entertaining
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Les Claypool, with his weird tunings, odd percussive style of bass playing, and pee wee herman sounding voice. Primus is another one of those bands that either has its fanboys or people can't stand. In their early days, I think they had a demo tape or an EP entitled "Primus Sucks" because they realized their music wasn't for everyone. Interestingly, they got kind of mainstream in that they've been on a few movie soundtracks.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
les claypool definitely needs to be a hell of a lot higher than this him and the other bay area bass player on here cliff burton are the best cause they are both one of a kind.... so i would really appreciate if they could be at the top.. come on it's the right thing to do!!!!!!!!!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I'm sure there are better bassists than Les, but #19??!! That's just a little to low. Even if you hate the music he makes, he's still accomplished too much to be this low. I don't care how overrated he is, he belongs higher than this. 12 at LEAST.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Les Claypool: musical genius or discordant noisemaker -- it's all a matter of opinion.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Why the hell is Les down here??? I've been a fan of Les's work since I was about 4. I'm 15 now so do the math. Over the years I've seen him spill out album after album and they do all seem to be just as good as the last. But I'm gonna say of Whales of Woe was one of the best. Les should definitely be top 5 at least. He's worked so hard over the course of 25+ years. He's been a part of countless bands. Although each band represents a different side of him. Primus: a younger more hardcore Les. Frog brigade: more mature (not older) Les with a more technical style in his bass playings. Les could be easily placed as number 1 bass player to us that know him like I do.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Les Claypool should be no. 1 on the list!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Geddy Lee thought highly enough of Les and Primus to have them go on tour with them in the early 90's.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
ok lol everyone under les claypool is deffinatly NOT as good as him lol there should only be one bassist ahead of him and thats victor wooten. MAYBE john myung
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Well, think about it: most people who would bother with voting here probably play bass themselves. Most of these bassists, while excellent musicians, are or were in bands that aren't exactly on everyone's iPod these days (take Pastorius for example, it's not as though masses of people are listening to "Weather Report" and debating whether or not it's proper to call them a fusion band -- hell, I'll bet half of the bass players out there don't even listen to Weather Report and are just following the meme that their bass teachers had passed on to them).
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
"With Les down here, Geddy down at No. 5, this ranking is right on that line of Bassist Ranking vs. My favourite Band ranking.... Excentricity itself seems to rank genius bassists like Les down here" - Yeah right, 'cause Rush is just *soooo* popular too...
Added 13 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Comments on the voting itself: realize that anyone can vote up or down 10 points on any of these and can then revisit the site and vote again later. Some have figured that out, some haven't. I think that accounts for genres being voted up higher(maybe a few die hard fans of a band or player voting their heros up a bunch of times). If you think Claypool should be higher, then vote him up. Also, respect to whoever created this list, I notice their entries (including Les here) span multiple genres and don't fixate on one genre or era.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
With Les down here, Geddy down at No. 5, this ranking is right on that line of Bassist Ranking vs. My favourite Band ranking.... Excentricity itself seems to rank genius bassists like Les down here. Credibility of these rankings need to be questioned.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
les should be in the top 5
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Les is down here because Les was already submitted and stands at (still rediculously low) 50.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Why is Les down here???? hes easily one of the best!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
oh now you got to be kidding me. easily able to split the top spot with giddy lee, john entwistle, and steve harris. get real guys. he is the standard.
Added 14 years ago by bass.is.evan, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

22.

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Rocco Prestia (Tower Of Power) Report Abuse
1424 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 4 comments
Comments:
Rocco Prestia under Bootsy Collins, come on!!
Added 8 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Outstanding bassist, if you can play Only So Much Oil In The Ground, you have chops.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Nice to see him voted up. One of the early masters of the electric bass. He plays those notes like machine gun.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Are you kidding me? At least in the top 30 for sure. Rocco is the master of the 16th note. Fast pased, syncopated rhythems that have no equal. Listen to "There's only so much oil in the Ground" or "What is Hip" Then come back and vote.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

23.

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Chris Squire (Yes) Report Abuse
1413 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 28 comments
Comments:
Simply Brilliant.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Beyond insane that Squire is not an automatic shoe-in as a top 3 bass player. Listen to his solo album "Fish Out of Water." How many on this list can play bass and acoustic guitars like Chris.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
A strong argument could be made that Chris Squire is the greatest rock bassist of all-time. He certainly shaped the style and sound of prog Rock. Both muscular and intricate, his playing is truly iconic and immediately indentifiable. He could make that Rickenbacker thunder or sigh. Rest in peace, Chris.
Added 7 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He's the best bass player ever period.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
You need only to listen to Yes' first two albums to understand why he's a top 5 bassist. No argument. This list is funny.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Chris Squire should be in the top 3, let alone top 10, his music really changed prog rock.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I can't believe he is so low under allthe one who can't even play a solo like "The Fish" or "Ritual" or invent a bright bassline like "Roundabound", "Heart of the Sunrise", "Close to the Edge" or "Soundchaser". He should be in the top 3.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Why his he not up there ? If Chirs Squire is # 53 Gene Simmons should be # 530
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
My goodness, why is Chris Squire here at number 50? He deserves a much higher spot.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I think people were getting annoyed that other, more worthy, bassists were getting voted down on order to raise Squire's ranking by this one guy who wants Chris Squire to be #1 (it was pretty obvious when a lot of the top 20 were all voted down about a hundred points and Squire was voted up by hundreds of points, plus the comments). Now that that's stopped, maybe people will start to naturally vote Squire up again.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Chris Squire deserves a higher spot on here. I wonder how much of his low ranking is attributable to this fan who keeps whining on and insulting others. I do know that, about 6 months ago, there were a suspiciously high number of prog rock bassists up in the top 20 -- glad to see some genre diversification back in the list.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Wait, you're complaining that Squire isn't voted high enough? I thought you were whining that someone keeps voting up Squire past other people like Mark King. Either way, I don't think any one person can vote that much.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
People who accuse others of "cheating" are suspect themselves. It would surprise me that, if other people weren't voting more, this guy would have Squire at #1 simply because he has too much time on his hands and some kind of fixation on either Squire or Yes in general. Are there too many jazz players up at the top? Probably. I also see Steve Harris, Cliff Burton, and Flea up there, too. If there is some person out there with magical voting powers, I'm sure your incessant whinging (and I guess you're the guy who added 5 more Chris Squires) isn't going to change anyone's mind.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Looks like that cheating little moron is attacking Squire again. Doesn't change a thing anyway. At the end of the day Squire is still a great bass player, and that cheater is still a miserable earth worm. ;)
Added 13 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Really -- Squire higher than Jaco? Just no way.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
It's hilarious how people whine on and on about these things. Squire is, eh, good, but about where he belongs at #30 or so. Why is Jaco Pastorius lower?!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Doesn't matter. Flea is really number 1.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I don't know, except for a few weird ones (Kim Deal?) the top 20 look about what you'd expect. It's probably just how people are voting in. Maybe Geddy Lee should be higher and I would think people would rank Jaco up there, too. Was someone knocking Squire back in rank? That's not cool, people should only be able to vote up, in my opinion. I agree with what someone else said, Squire is at least a top 25 bassist.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Of course no one should get upset over a public poll. I can live with results obtained from fair play in a fair poll even if they're not to my liking. What upsets me is people cheating to push their favorites up by giant leaps and use the same strategies to push the competion down. We could have fun here changing the order of the list on a daily basis. But sadly some others prefer imposing their views by cheating and killing all the fun for others.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
No one should get upset over a public poll -- Chris Squire is an outstanding bassist. I saw Yes in concert when they were on the Union tour in 1991 (I was quite young then). It was excellent.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
It's odd to see Squire so low here. Maybe Anderson, Wakeman, and Howe came along and voted (just kidding). FWIW, I gave him a vote. IMHO, he's a top 25-30 bassist compared to the rest on this list.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Well, you've just proven my point. Why not push him further down in the minuses? Oh! Let me guess. You think you are a person of principles. Ha ha! You're an idiot, a coward and a cheater. Let me laugh at you a bit. You deserve it to the fullest. Have fun here, if you're foolish enough to believe that your actions might effectively change reality. Disco and prog rock bass players are top acts in their respective genres. But you're a pretentious jazz listener. How would you know? Chris Squire is a gem. A truly unique musician. Get it? I guess not...
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Seems like someone with a very big voting power and a very small brain thrives on this site. Why keep on pushing Squire down over a bunch of jazz bassists who've been playing the same boring stuff for generations? Chris Squire is the most original bass player this world has ever heard.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
one of the greatest. what else can i say CHRIS ****ING SQUIRE
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
without question the greatest bass player ever. No-one else comes close
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Unique as a rock bassist for his classical training and approach. I love how he strays from the root. And you can't beat that trebbly-played with a pick-Rickenbacker crunch! Also a great vocalist.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Yes, (pun intended) Chris Squire was a seriously talented individual, both at crafting his basslines and playing them.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Extremely talented, albeit underrated bassist. Listen to "Roundabout" for some of the most well crafted bass lines in history.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

24.

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Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath) Report Abuse
1406 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 9 comments
Comments:
The bass was such a huge part of Sabbath's music, not to mention he can write. Geezer is a top ten all the way.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Too predictable.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Very underrated basses should be in top 5.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
finest! Nobody in the history of metal can play bass like him! It was Geezer who brought that heaviness to BS!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
THE Godfather of bass,THE original metal bassist.The first to play like marching armies of doom.All true metal bassists are influenced by him whether they admit it or not.
Added 12 years ago by Tgod3neg, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Geezer is in my list of top 5 favorite bass players. My list would be: 1. Harris 2. Burton 3. Butler 4. Chancellor 5. Kilmister Of course, from that list, you can tell what kind of music I listen to (I know, some jazz disciple or other snob might have something sarcastic to reply, but metal rules no matter what you say).
Added 13 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Geezer Butlers rank should never fall below the top 5. He may not have extravagant solos but the structure that he plays, the elegant harmonies he supplies, and his unbelievable fills are enough to show his brilliance. Lets also not forget he has the best tone in the biz!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Not every bassist uses a wah-wah pedal, while plenty of bassists do bass runs like John Entiwstle. This guy deserves #15-20th place for sure. I like the way he played around Tony Iommi's riffs rather than just doubling them. The original metal bassist in the original metal band.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
WTF!!! hes absolutley the greatest a real list he introduced wah wah pedal to bass and was one of the first really skilled bass player wats up with this list 1.jack bruce 2.GEEZER BUTLER 3.geddy lee 4.john paul jones 5 steve harris
Added 13 years ago by crunkalac, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

25.

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Louis Johnson Report Abuse
brothers johnson , quincy jones , michael jackson ( billy jean )
1405 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 6 comments
Comments:
The late great Louis Johnson (1955-2015) should have been among the top 10, Thriller, Bad, I keep forgetting, Stay with me tonight, Herb Alpert, Quncy Jones, was at one time one of the mos in demand bassists for over a decade, I would rank him and james Jamerson near the top, they didn't just play the bass, like Larry Graham, they created music that was bass driven. There would be no Billie Jean without Louis.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
My bass hero, come on fellas and "look out for number one" for God's sake !!!
Added 8 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
If nothing else, listen to this man's work on Michael Jackson's Off The Wall album, or his work with Stanley Clarke.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The whole concept is subjective. Was Paul McCartney better or worse than Chris Squire? Depends on whether you like the Beatles or Yes better. If people went by technical proficiency, then mostly session/studio and jazz players would be at the top of the list. If it went by who influenced whom then there probably wouldn't be any living players at the top of the list. Then you get into upright players vs. bass guitar players, etc. This is just for fun, after all, it doesn't actually mean anyone is "greater" than anyone else in the overall scheme of things based on where they fall on an online polling list.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I mean I'm 20 years old and I know this guys amazing work and that he shuld be ranked much higher. so please all of you twelve year olds who voted Flea and Cliff (not to say that they are not great) in top spots, do a little research and come back more informed.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Aww Cmon People!! You obviously do not know your bass when you have LOUIS JOHNSON all the way down here?...How old are the people posting on here, by some of the choices I can pretty much tell. Nobody can slap that bass, and thump it like this guy accept for Larry Graham. The OG's baby!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

26.

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Jack Bruce (Cream) Report Abuse
The main vocalist of the band as well as the bassist, Bruce's talent is legendary, His ability to blend blues and jazz riffs while anchoring a band built on razor sharp precision makes him one of the best ever.
1310 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 20 comments
Comments:
Jack Bruce is in the top 3 if not number 1 all time. Listen to live cream songs. Nobodies close
Added 8 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
jack bruce played for frank zappa in the early 70's. 'nuff said. Frank don't **** around.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Totally IDIOT !!!.....JACK BRUCE >>>should be in the top 3 if not #1 !!!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
What is this, Jack Bruce should at least be in the top 10
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Listen to "Crossroads", "Badge", "SWLABR", "White Room", "I Feel Free", or any song by Cream! Jack Bruce beats out just about every bassist above him on this list. Also, it's his 70th Birthday today!
Added 10 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Putting Jack Bruce this low tells us that most folks doing this don't understand what's what.. He redefined what people expected of rock bassists. Having him as low as 25 is just silly.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
If you want listen bass, listen.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The greatest of them all full stop. Before Bruce the terms "bass player" and "creative" were mutually exclusive! Never mind Cream, listen to Jack's solo stuff, or Lifetime. For a little fella he stands head and shoulders above the rest!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
While I respect Jack Bruce's skills, I think a few of these comments comparing him to classical composers, etc, overrate him. He is to Cream what Noel Redding was to the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Geezer Butler was to Black Sabbath, or Jack Casady was to Jefferson Airplane -- incredibly reliable and at times very innovative blue-rock bassist, but not much more than that. I'd venture to say that John Paul Jones took blues rock bass to another level and branched out much further. Of course, that's just an opinion.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Unique, soulful, brilliant. Bach-like counterpoint, a heart like Mingus. It's not just in bad-taste to place him at 27, it's naive.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I'm surprised! I would've expected Jack Bruce and Geddy Lee to be higher!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
jack bruce -- brilliant at improvisation. uses the bass like a solo instrument and a total extension of himself. he makes the instrument sing. love the bass line in I'm So Glad. top five for me, along with eg stanley clark, jaco pastorius, charles mingus.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I tend to put Jack Bruce and Noel Redding on the same general level. Sure, Bruce also sang, but we're talking about how well they play bass. Solid blues-rock players, both.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Bruce is a top 10 musician and as McCartney one of the top inspirations of many of these musicians and some younger ones unknowingly. -V
Added 13 years ago by glennv, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
ridiculous. he played bass like it was a lead guitar. top 10 at the least. - rotifer
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
listen to 'brave tales of ulyesses'
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
you keep up with baker
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invented balls out whaling, top five get him up there, awesome harmonica too
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This is way to low for Jack Bruce
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Bruce isn't my favorite bassist, but 23rd place is a joke. Top 10 at the least!
Added 13 years ago by coker65, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

27.

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Greg Lake (EL&P) Report Abuse
1284 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
Can you fsee he is one the best? He could sing it in "Tarkus" in addition of his bright bass line, or in "Karn Evil9". I have a name for his technique: "21st Century Schizoid Bass". Definitely one the brightest!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Amazing bassist. He influenced me to play bass. Just listen to "Tank" off ELP's first album. He doubles emerson's lines perfectly. The timing, the grace... it's all there. the list should be 1. John Entwhistle 2. John Paul Jones 3.Paul McCartney 4. Greg Lake 5. Geddy Lee 6. Jermaine Clement
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Can't forget his work on In the Court of the Crimson King either... 21st Century Schizoid Man having ridiculous bass and whatnot.
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28.

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Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) Report Abuse
because he is fucking the best
1260 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 14 comments
Comments:
Dave gilmore played the important bass lines in the studio for the records. If it sounds too good to be Roger Waters , thats why. Roger Waters only talent is writing melencholly lyrics for downtrodden suicidal teens. Thats why everyone likes the floyd when there in Highschool, but quickly grow out of it.
Added 9 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
would have big problems in making it in top 100 ;)
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Waters is in no way, shape or form a great bass player. He is however a great composer and lyricist.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
"Money" has the best baseline ever.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Sad to see again ( anad again and again) the big fans of Gilmour cannot stand any good things than can be told about Waters. Guys, these 2 men turn the page recently , you should do the same !
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Not a great bassist.
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Yeah Gilmour deffinately didn't make the band, Roger was a founding member and he did write most of the material, I'd say he was a great bassist, not one of the absolute bests but I think he deserves a higher spot on the list. I do think that he is very underrated when it comes to the top songwriters of all time. To me he will always be brilliant.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
While waters was in the band up until momentary lapse and division bell he wrote about 80percent of Floyd stuff, yeah gilmour was good but whoever says waters is over rated hasn't a clue what they are on about
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Listen to his bass solo on "Let there be more light"! I think you would say he is THE one! Other essentials records: "Dark Side of the Moon", "Meddle" and "Wish you were here".
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Waters was an excellent vocalist -- I think his voice gave out on him sometime in the late 1980's, though.
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overrated for sure. Gilmour made the band - but stayed quiet. High Hopes is proof of that. If I can play his base lines, that says something right there ! Excellent vocalist ??? what's with that !?
Added 13 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Excellent vocalist and songwriter, but, unless you're really into studies of minimalist bass playing in E minor and F# minor (yes, I realize they played in other keys sometimes, but come on), then I question why Waters would be so high on this list.
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some of his lines (like one of these days) are absolutly amazing
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Not the best, but he's certainly very talented. Also the head songswriter (and dictator for a while...) of the most successful progressive band in history.
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29.

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Ray Brown (Dizzy Gillespie, the Ray Brown Trio, and others) Report Abuse
1254 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 5 comments
Comments:
Happy Birthday RB. You are the King of the Quarter Note.
Added 7 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
25 Ru kidding. This man plays the bass like no one. A master that comes around once in a lifetime. Put some cans on and listen to an album like Soular Energy and educate yourself.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He should easily be in the top 5. The votes on here are all messed up. You guys need to learn something about music, not just what rocks. If you want skill, creativity, tone, timing, and groundbreaking playing Ray sets the bar for ALL bass players, no matter what style.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
goodness. should be way way higher on the list.-- the man played with oscar peterson, joe pass, herbie ellis, and others. he wasn't flashy, just the best. and, played only with the best.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
great
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30.

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Verdine White (Earth, Wind, and Fire) Report Abuse
This guy is awesome. Some of the funkiest stuff ever.
1190 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 5 comments
Comments:
Verdine deserves a much higher ranking. Roger Waters higher? Pink Floyd is my favorite rock band of all time, but listeners should put on a pair of decent headphones and focus in on White's playing. It's remarkable how versatile, technical, and musical his playing is.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
79? This is a joke...right?
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Mr. Verdine White, the fire of Earth Wind & Fire, is easy the top 5. What in the world are people thinking placing him in #65. Someone need a note from God to explain this one. This man is a gift from God to us in the earth to take note. Listen to how to keep a beat and move with style and grace. Ricky Reed, Houston, TX
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
one of my Top 5 along with Mark King!!....this dudes bass is as crazy as he is!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Verdine White is the greatest bass player of all times. this list is not credible with him at 93. You must be kidding!!
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31.

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Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones) Report Abuse
1133 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 4 comments
Comments:
I disagree with the above negative comments about Wyman's musicianship.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Since I was a kid I rated Wyman as the weak link in the band.A very very poor bass player.Sorry to have to say that. He could not shine the boots of anybody in this list!
Added 12 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Wyman is a much more talented bassist than he usually gets credit for. His sense of timing and practical innovation are part of what gave the Rolling Stones their sound. A lot of amateur bass players can "fake" a Rolling Stones song pretty easily but, if you were to try to play it note for note on a fretless (or fretted) bass to match Wyman's style, you'll see how much attention he paid to timing, tone, his bass lines uniquely bringing together Richards' guitar style and Watts' drumming.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He deserves to be higher, his lines were very complex. He also invented a fretless bass five years before it was commercially avaliable and was one of the first to use it in popular music.
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32.

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John Wetton (Asia, Roxy Music, King Crimson) Report Abuse
1123 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 11 comments
Comments:
Lead singer also. Prolific songwriter. King Crimson and UK. He is a brilliant musician and lovely voice.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Gene Simmons is no musical retard. You, sir, are mistaken.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
A fantastic versatile player and improvisor. That he is below such musical retards as Gene Simmons and Krist Novoselic is criminal.
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And everyone forgot his work in Family.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Have you ever heard the bass riff of "Starless" or all the live tracks of "Starless and Bible black" or even the two parts "Larks Tongues in Aspic" or the funky "Easy Money" or the quiet "Fallen Angels"? I think the answer is no or he would be in the top 20.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
God Bless John Wetton.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
"I mean, seriously, Asia? You framed an Asia poster? How hard did the people at the frame store laugh when you brought this in?" -- from the movie 40 Year Old Virgin, lmao
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The greatest performer that I have ever witnessed. The chosen one, the golden son. God shines on this man.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Great in his prime, and one of the great voices of rock.
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Yes, the superb playing,always excellent, John Wetton. The Paul McCartney of Progressive Rock.
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One of the finest composer / performer's of Our time. King Crimson, Uriah Heep, Wishbone ash, UK ,ASIA, Roxy Music, etc. He did session work for "George Martin" in his earliest days as a pro. A Brilliant musician!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

33.

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Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike and the Mechanics) Report Abuse
Fantastic progressive and multi-talented long-time bassist for Genesis. Rutherford's bass playing involved the bass with high treble, use of a pick and a fuzz box. Genesis "classic" recordings often featured simultaneous 12 string guitar and Dewtron "Mister Bassman" bass pedal synthesiser playing by Rutherford. He used the famous Moog Taurus bass pedals as well by the Trick of the Tail Tour. Often, bass guitar, 12-string guitar, and bass pedal playing would feature in different sections of a single song, "Supper's Ready", "Firth of Fifth", and "The Cinema Show" being good examples of this. He often played a double necked instrument, custom built from a separate Rickenbacker hollowbody 12-string and 4001 bass. Rickenbacker later issued double neck bass/guitar combinations with 4080/6 and 4080/12 models. However, Rutherford had the guitar in the top position rather than the 4080's stock guitar on bottom. He later had a custom Shergold double neck made with Mike requesting the body be modified so that each neck could be detached and played as a standard single neck instrument.
979 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 4 comments
Comments:
mike is much higher than 33 this guy is top 5
Added 8 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Just listened to some Rutherfords work on Robber, Assault and Battery, complex with time changes all over the place. If you played bass with Genesis you had better bring it or they would have gottten someone who would have.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
So why is a bass god affter Sex Pistols' bassist? Is it a joke? Listen to the epic bass in "Watchers of the sky", the highly dynamic "Firth of Fifth", the quiet bassline of " TheFountain of Salamics", the monster bass of "The Return ofvthe Giant Hogweed", the furious riff of "supper's Ready" or to the busy parts of "The Battle of Epping Forest". One word: UNDERRATED!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
How can he not be so much higher??!?
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34.

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Guy N'Sangue Report Abuse
He tops at least 80% of all in this list.
948 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 4 comments
Comments:
Laid back and the personification of cool while lying down monster grooves.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Don't know what it is about Cameroon but there have been some killa bassists coming out of there for the last 10 years including Guy! Monster stuff!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jean-Luc Ponty ALWAYS has premier bassists and Guy was no exception!!!!!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Have seen a lot of bass players live as well on CDs. have never seen one better.
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35.

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Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister (Motorhead, Hawkwind) Report Abuse
921 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 9 comments
Comments:
For me Lemmy is the best.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
to me lemmy is the best.... because the way he plays, makes up for 2 instruments, bass and guitar... who the hell can do that?
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Why the hell is Lemmy No.26? He should be atleast in the top 10.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he is the best
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Why is Lemmy number 28 here? I think he should at least be in the top 12.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Lemmy is god plain and simple.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Just remember that the coolest indiviual on the face of the planet is a bass player!
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Lemmy's style is definitely original -- the way he plays bass like it's a hybrid between bass and rhythm guitar yet still maintaining a distinctive bass sound. I think you could almost take the guitarist out and have just Lemmy and a drummer and still have a heavy band (not to denigrate any of Motorhead's guitarists). Lemmy + Metallica, even with Rob Trujillo also on bass sounds awesome -- typically two basses would sound too muddy, but Lemmy is right there with James, adding some heaviness, while you can still hear Rob playing the bassline back in the rhythm section with Lars. Aside from bass, ever notice how when Lemmy plays with Metallica, it makes James Hetfield sounds like a higher range vocalist (mid-range, really, but just Lemmy's voice is so much lower and raspier), haha.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
If awesome took the form of a human, Lemmy could kill him with his stache.
Added 13 years ago by ToeEaterJim, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

36.

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Aston Barrett (Bob Marley & the Wailers) Report Abuse
920 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 5 comments
Comments:
Best bass ever! from hearth. he wasnt a "star" he was a normal guy!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
for me he is the one of the top 10. # 8 i guess. he deserves to be. he came to a third world country. a very talented person. thanks to the family man, one of the person who invented the reggae music. without him and his brotrher carlton, i guess bob would not be popular reggae artist right now.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The Art of Walking Bass is invented by the great Reggae Bass Player... The Legendary Aston The Familyman Barrett.
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Very under rated. His simple patterns allow the other instruments to interweave between him. It's the notes he doesn't play that makes his bass so special. Sometimes he's right on the beat, sometimes slightly behind but the sound is always fat and round. He never overplays. He abides by the less is more concept.
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Family Man
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37.

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Justin Chancellor (Tool) Report Abuse
This guy pushes the bass to new limits. Listen to some of his stuff and you will see.
918 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 11 comments
Comments:
I think he ought to be higher in this list. His bass riff for Schism always lands itself as #2 or #3 for best bass riff. Usually just behind Another One Bites The Dust by Queen. How's that for the bassist here as #37? Also he should be #1 just for his characteristic tone. Gotta love that Wal.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Justin IS THE BEST BASSIST without any doubt.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I agree that Justin is one of the best and one of my personal favorite bass players. I wish I could play bass even half as well as he can. Justin is almost like a younger generation's Geddy Lee (and if you really listen to Tool and listen to Rush, that might make more sense that it sounds when you first hear it).
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Really? What a joke. He's a top ten maybe top five. Anyone who has heard Tool, even if they don't like it, will tell you that all the musicians are great but the musical schemes and writing and progressive techniques weren't for them. Anyone who has heard Tool will tell you Justin is one of the best of them all.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
i definitely think he needs to be moved up.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is the greatest bass player ever. Hands down #1.
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He has got to be one of the greatest, if not the single greatest bass player in terms of rhythmical progression.
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someones must be hi, #25? wtf!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
most creative bassist of all time
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
WOW 49 really?
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
wow how isnt he in the to 30 at least TOOL destroys
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38.

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Mark King (Level 42) Report Abuse
C mon, how old are the kids posting here, Is this a joke? Mark King is phenominal! this white boy plays with some serious funk! and hes so ****ing fast on this instrument. He's from the U.K. still plays with Level 42 (a totally underated band from the 80's) unlike almost all controlled record company "music whores" that are pimped out like prostitues, but instead have chosen not to sell their souls and are appreciated for REAL music and the Mark's bass
891 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 19 comments
Comments:
I'm betting every bass player in this top ten would question why he's been ranked ahead of Mark King.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
To play bass well is one thing. To play bass and SING well at the same time is quite another. This is something that most people just don't seem to co-relate, and is evident in comments throughout this web page. The ability to do both at the same time is a true sign of a talented musician. I liken it to patting your head whilst rubbing your stomach. How good are you at doing that ? Mark King can play a rapid slap-bass and sing well at the same time. The guy is brilliant. John Entwistle with all his talent could NOT do that.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He should be in the top 10. Any bass player the sings and plays a bass like he does should be toward the top of the list!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Amazing that he is not in the Top 3 !!!! GREAT bass player, really impressive live.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
In the 80's Mark King was voted best bass player in a poll of his contempories. Says it all really. This list is complete and utter rubbish, how any rock guitarist strumming a few noted could be ahead of someone as technical as Mark "The Bass" King is just idiotic
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
One of the great bass players of all time, should be higher up the list
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Without a doubt in top 5 "percussive/slap" type players - personally I rank him #1 because of these facts - sings all the lead parts - has a catalog of what 200 songs ? - and can play fingerstyle etc.. Yes Victor Wooten and many other players have the same level of talent with "percussive" style playing - but do they sing all the lead vocals at the same time ?
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I have to agree. Mark Kings is up there as probably the best UK bass player to date.. He is an inspiration on how to hammer on a bass
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Mark King is god and No:1 in my book; seen him twice with Level 42 and blew me away both times! Listen to the music everyday just amazing.
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The man, the legend. Flea is NOTHING compared to this man. His slap is the best in the world, unquestionably. His fingerstyle is up there too- he has it all. It is hugely disrespectful to put him this low. Top 5 at the very least.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The best I have seen, PERIOD
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Mark King is THE king, move him up! (Living it up, living up, I can feel it!)
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I concur, Mark King should be way up there!! I think he should be in the Top 5 at least...!!! hes bass is freakin amazing..really UNDERATED!!...Love games does indeed have some crazy ass bass!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
QA results placed him in the top 75.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I'm sure when this list is QA'd by real musicians they will realize why Mark King should be in the top 3. My vote is num 1 but I have to check up.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Mark King is not only top 20, he is top five guys. I'm a bass player myself, and anyone who write, play, SLAP his bass the way he does, while singing, hahahaha...the guy is not even funny. Please guy, youtube him and please please appreciate the unorthodox talent this guy's got...once in a while comes a guy like Mark King, once in a while only...
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Slap bass specialist -- should be top 20 for sure.
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mark king is a fantastic bass player and is definitely ranked up there with the rest of them,he holds the world record for the fastest bass player of all time and frontman of british band level 42,great stage performer and singer
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Mark king is the king of slap bass....listen to Love Games if you want to hear some crazy ass bass playing.
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39.

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John Lodge Moody Blues Report Abuse
Great music, Great bassist
868 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
Listen to "The Story in your Eyes" and you'll see why he belongs higher in this chart!
Added 8 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Listen to "Nights in White Satin", "Lunch Time" and "Ride my see-saw" and you'll think he should be in the top 100!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
John's playing of electric and upright bass plus cello is awesome.
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40.

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Mick Karn Report Abuse
846 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 9 comments
Comments:
Mick whilst certainly not the most technical, he couldn't read music, he didn't even bother. He certainly was the most unique on this list, his rubbery style will never ever be be replicated. The man was a gifted individual.
Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Watch his fingerwork on the live version of "Canton" ! Should be top 10, period.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
It's nice to see Karn in the top 50. No one plays like him. Best demonstrations of atypical abilities are on both albums Tin Drum & Gentlemen Take Polaroids. He won me over at first note on The Art Of Parties.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This guy's bass lines are absolutely the most original and distinctive you'll hear. Mick sadly died of cancer this year, but check out all the YT vids of others playing his riffs and lines by searching Mick Karn bass.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Yep.....R.I.P. MIck
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RIP Mick, your legend will outlive us all.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
very underrated. I advise any lovers of bass to listen to Japan's Quiet Life album. Any track will demonstrate his style and skill, but track 7, Alien, is my personal favourite - superb.
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Mick's bass work is absolutely mesmerizing. All the best to him and his family as he battles cancer.
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Great fretless specialist -- totally under-appreciated even today. Should be top 20.
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41.

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Kim Stone Report Abuse
845 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
Jazz Fusion.
Added 10 years ago by snazzycat, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The Rippingtons..
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42.

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Jason Sheff Report Abuse
Bassist for highly successful Chicago since 1983. Replaced Peter Cetera's vocals also. Multi talented and has created his own identity within the band.
839 points - added 14 years ago by RefRoc - 4 comments
Comments:
Jason is a very talented bassist as well as his vocal range. He can sing and play some great licks while he is doing it! He had some big shoes to fill when Peter left Chicago and he filled them very well .
Added 9 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jason joined Chicago in mid-1985 when Peter Cetera left to pursue a solo career.
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Jason Scheff..
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5 stars..
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43.

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Phil Lesh Report Abuse
833 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 11 comments
Comments:
If you care to know why should Lesh be higher in this list, you need to listen to an album called: From te Mars Hotel. Not only his writing, in Pride of Cucamonga and Unbroken Chain, is majestic, but also his sound. It is my humble opinion that PL should rank in the top 10. He truly revolutionised the sound of the bass.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
wow....hard to know where to start. I hate to judge but must say anyone not 'getting' Lesh's brilliance either lacks musical taste or fails to understand the importance of nuance in music. Lesh is a master and provided a bottom to the band that often displayed innovation and sheer talent.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
His sensibility can be interesting. His tone and texture is just awful. Technically adequate, nothing like some of these other players. But, much to appreciate anyway.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The Grateful Dead were one of the best jam bands of all time. Listen to some of their live performances and you'll see how Phil was essentially and orchestra conductor with his bass (in a good way, not that he just waved his bass around like a conductor's baton, it was through his playing).
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Anyone who has seen him play knows that he is really a very proficient and innovative bassist. While with the GD he was able to hold a very chaotic sound together while adding a whole new element to it, and his solo ability was really outstanding. He was also a very consistent player, able to shine in almost every performance - I believe he is one of the most underrated bassists of all time.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The comment above stating that Phil had no formal training and thus couldn't play seems uninformed to me. Phil Lesh had formal music training as a violinist prior to picking up the electric bass in the mid-1960's when it was still a relatively new instrument. He is considered an early pioneer and innovator of rock bass.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Phil Lesh is overrated as is, the guy never took any formal training from a bassist, he doesn't play anything other than noodling around the melody line, he can't play solos worth a damn and he is famous because enough drug addicts bought their albums and attended their concerts. being famous doesn't they are any good, example: The Monkees. They out sold the Beatles, yet only one of them actually knew how to play an instrument.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
2 words... "Phil Bomb".
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I completely agree with my man physcadelic, could'nt have said it any better.
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Phil should be higher on the list simply for holding down and facilitating some of the greatest improvizations ever played. Also able to improvize in sync with Jerry's frantic noodling, truely a legend in his own right.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Phil lesh is one of the most under-rated players of all time. The Greatful Dead would have never been the incredible music pioneers that they were without his talent. While Im a huge fan of Garcia, I have to say that Phil was just as important to the band as Garcia. The bass players above ^ may be more famous and flashy, but when it comes to sheer talent and inginueity Phil crushes nearly allof them
Added 14 years ago by psychadelic, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

44.

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Roger Glover Of Early Deep Purple. Just listen to the begining of highway star or any Deep Purple. He played like he was playing lead Guitar! Report Abuse
793 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
So you're saying to be a great bass player, you have to play it like a lead guitar??? That's why they have Les Pauls and Strats.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

45.

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Mark King - Level 42 Report Abuse
790 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
this is a duplicate - see much higher up!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He should be no.1! no doubt about it.
Added 13 years ago by C.I. Bassist, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Great bass player and singer/songwriter. Check him out with his band www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oMyet-lXEk and solo www.youtube.com/watch?v=93VqyeUz8Z8
Added 13 years ago by RockAnthemGuy, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

46.

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John Deacon Report Abuse
771 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 15 comments
Comments:
Good solid and accurate bass player. Not flashy and showy. Occasional flourishes indicate a disciplined and restrained control of his undoubted talent.
Added 5 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I've been playing the bass guitar for over 30 years now, but when I have to name my great example, I definitely say John Deacon. For me he is the Bass Boss!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
As a rock bassist, he should be in the Top 10!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he should be in the top 10
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Bass player of the 70's, 80's and beyond.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
very underrated bassman. Great melodic lines, great sound, cool perfomances on stage.
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One of the best. Bass in Millionaires Waltz is brilliant to say the least.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
His bass lines were creative and took on a life on its own. Heaven to listen to.
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One of the very best. Totally underrated. Paul Gambaccini called him Queen's secret weapon. And he was. People always go on about the other three- but without Deacon, it would have been a very different story. He wasn't 'just' a bass player, he was one of the best of all time.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
No freaking way he is as I type 69th on the list. Quiet and introverted, yet Queen would not have had its biggest US hit "Another one bites the dust", which Deaky penned. Also a brilliant engineer, having made the Deaky Amp, which made Brian May's lead guitar what it was. A legend
Added 12 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Comments before me say it all.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was one of the greatest rock composers of the 20th century. John revolutionized rock forever. His bass lines are recognized anywhere. He is very talented and has left a mark in fans and in history. Should be much higher. C'mon. Another one bites the dust and under pressure. Legendary.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
58?? Come on John was a finger plucker and wrote some great bass lines. Highly underrated Bass player.
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he has to be higher Queen sold 300 million records and released 20 albums now you do the math
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As versatile as the band he played in. One of the more melodic bass players in rock.
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47.

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Noel Redding (The Jimi Hendrix Experience) Report Abuse
757 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 5 comments
Comments:
A passable bass player at best with an awful live tone. I'll take Jack Cassidy or Billy Cox over him any day.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Redding is a better player than Mark King? Dinnae think so.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was truly a great bassist. Just listen to tracks like "Fire", "You Got Me Floatin'", "She's So Fine"
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jimi didn't think he was a great bass player; he went back and rerecorded some of Noel's bass parts in the studio. But then he was Jimi Hendrix...
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was kind of like JPJ: overshadowed by an amazing guitarist and drummer.
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48.

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John Mcvie ~ Fleetwood Mac Report Abuse
747 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 4 comments
Comments:
John McVie was lucky to be in Fleetwood Mac. Not a writer, a solid if unimpressive bass player and not a singer. Yet he is a millionaire, good for him.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
John McVie contribution to blues, blues rock, and the whole modern rock scene is priceless. NO WAY should he be here at 199, he is a top 10 player.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
why not in TOP 10?!?! incredible bass player! This list is totally messed up! Seriously though he is so underrated here!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
should be top 10... listen to early john mayall and fleetwood mac (1968-70)... very influential
Added 13 years ago by chap, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

49.

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Billy Sheehan (Niacin, Mr. Big, Steve Vai) Report Abuse
741 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 11 comments
Comments:
Any list that doesn't have Billy in the top ten is s farce.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
#45? Really? Doesn't say a whole lot 'bout who it is that made up this list.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
What Joke !!! He is one of the best in the world !!! and Flea is ranked better than Billy PLEASE !!!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This site I thought was the Greatest Bass Players of all time? I guess you should change it to the most popular band with a good bass player in it. To have Billy so low on this list is crazy. Who else but bass players are gonna go to this site? I would list him #one to #five depending on the type of music you lean to. There are some amazing bass players on youtube that would rank in this site.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
absolutely a joke! BIlly would eat all of these top 29 players whole without even chewing.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
30!! is it a joke??
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he should be on the top not flea.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Talent is one thing, but have you ever heard Mr. Big? It was an 80's hair band at best.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
ARE YOU SERIOUS ALL THE WAY AT 28??? People really don't know their bass players.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
One of the most technically proficient bassists of the mid-late 1980's. Of course, David Lee Roth needing top talent (Sheehan, Vai, to make his solo career go anywhere (which it did for a while, anyway). Although, I think Sheehan will always be one of those musicians' musicians whose name will be well known among bassists more than popularity of any band he played for.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Billy Sheehan was so amazing.. I think he is the best player in all the list here..
Added 14 years ago by jamesabuda, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

50.

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Gary Thain (Uriah Heep) Report Abuse
723 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 6 comments
Comments:
So fluid, so versatile, never get tired of listening to him play, a sad loss, one of the best I've ever heard.. True dat..!
Added 5 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
A bit of a giggle some of the players that sit higher than Gary Thain.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Saw him live twice in the early 70's. Deserves a much higher ranking!
Added 12 years ago by raz57, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
As a teenager in the 70's Gary Thain was the 1st Bass player I really sat up and noticed, and to this day I still think he was one the best I've ever heard!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
It's a joke to see Gary Thain in place 130, but then again, public vote does not say who is truly the best. People tend to vote for the bands they like, and who remembers Keef Hartley and Uriah Heep today?
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
One of the greats, died far too soon.
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51.

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John Myung Report Abuse
AMAZING
722 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 23 comments
Comments:
This guy should be #1!!!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Myung is #1 !!!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This guy is absolutely incredible...top 3 for me
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
John Myung is on my Top 5 list.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
john myung should be #1... try to listen how monstrous this guy can play...
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Number one on my list.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This list sux. Myung should be No 1.
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This is guy is top 5 talent. Try to listen to DT more dude
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
So, how many of these fellas play a 6-string bass? Why is this guy so underrated? I am lost.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
top three
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Top 10, 1st in this list for me coz he's so cool mate.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
top 3 for me
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
BE OBJECTIVE GUYS!!!! Myung is the best bassist(techncly)!!listen up, and prove that im wrng!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Currently 63 But should be Top 10! this man is a technician on the bass. Damn shame people!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
John Myung one of the best bass players of all times, top ten at least, next to geddy lee technically speaking.... I can't believe that he is 61, he's one of the greatest
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
john myung is the great bassist i have heared.,.,he is definitely the best.,.,
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
John Myung at 105! This is blasphemy!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This man is so much better than 124. It's honestly scary to see him ranked below Nikkie Sixx or whatever the hell his name is, or the guy from the freaking sex pistols, or the guy from Rancid, or almost anybody else on this list. He truly should be an icon for the intense technicality of the stuff he plays, but sadly, some of the greatest are rarely recognized.
Added 13 years ago by porcupinetheater, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
While maybe not as influential as some of the higher ranking members, he definately has taken the bass and excelled at it in such an unprecedented way. Definately top five for me.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Definitely top five for me!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
one of the greatest of all time
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Top ten indeed!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The must unspoken band member of Dream Theater with an amazing talent. Myung's bass playing leaves me speechless. Top 10 if you ask me.
Added 14 years ago by yyztsejam, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

52.

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Phil Lynott Report Abuse
719 points - added 14 years ago by mikeyb23 - 5 comments
Comments:
Lynott is one of the greatest bass players ever. Try listening to Thin Lizzy, more than on the pub at 1:30. He was a genius ...
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Phil Lynott is one of the best bass players ever for sure, not only he is a great bass player but also a great singer and composer, listen to his groovy bass playing
Added 9 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Phil Lynott at 183??? Proves there are a lot of people who have no knowledge of music. Lynott is still generally regarded as one of the greatest bass players ever. As has been said waiting for an alibi and dancing in the moonlight have awesome bass lines.
Added 13 years ago by electriczoo, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Phil Lynott evolutionised bass guitar in several genres. He introduced funker bass into Hard Rock and Celtic Rock which caused a new trend of music in Ireland which in time would influence future Gems like U2 and other upcoming Irish bands
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Phil Lynott absolutely should be higher. The only reason he's not is because most US fans have underratted Thin Lizzy for years. Listen to "Waiting for an Alibi" and "Dancing in the Moonlight" and I guarentee that will change your opinion. Top 20 for sure.
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53.

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Mike Porcaro Report Abuse
Session bassist for many huge artists. You're an idiot if you don't know who he is. He's the real deal. Always been. Always will be.
712 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
Mike Porcaro (born Michael Joseph Porcaro, May 29, 1955, South Windsor, Connecticut) is best noted as the bass player in the Grammy Award winning band, TOTO. (wikipedia)
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Mike is the real thing.
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54.

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Christopher Wolstenholme (Muse) Report Abuse
cause he is the man !
691 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 12 comments
Comments:
he deserves to be so much higher, his bass lines are very catchy and he is so good live, just watch live videos of the small print or deadstar and you'll see
Added 9 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
just listen Panic Station.. Its a simple line but you will never forget it, he tought about the structure on the spal part... and all the muse songs have a sticky bass line
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Chris NEEDS to be higher on this list!!!!!!!!!!
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Although I'm much more of a Classical/80's Metal person, Chris isn't the most technically skilled bassist, or the fastest but you can hear the emotion in his playing. He's probably number 1-3 on my list for bassists in the 21st century.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Wolstenholme is good but, if he's going to be voted up this high, as a stylistic comparison, John Deacon should be higher.
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one word... legendary!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
If you havnt really listen to this guy plz don't add or take away points. This guy has some of the catchiest bass lines I've ever heard. Highly under rated. Very Inventive. He has already made a name for himself and their first album came out just over a decade ago. These guys are no where's near finished yet either. Can't wait to see what else this Bass Monster brings to the table. Also loves the way he favors the Sovtek Big Muff distorted. Very distinct sound.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
prob one of the most inventive bassist of his generation... not a massive muse fan, but Chris's driving bass lines deserve top 20
Added 13 years ago by knob, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
:) Chriisss!!! for me... you´re the number 1!!
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what!!!??? Chris here??? ÖMG.... he is the muse of the bass!!!... I do not think he deserves this position...
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Not only Hysteria, listen to every single one of their songs and there is a good bassline, and he has quite a high non falsetto range, (except for dont listen to guiding light, their worst song every). His jams are brilliant too, and he manages to play his complicated bass lines along with singing back up melodies so well.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
An example of the new generation of bass monsters! Listen to Hysteria... speechless
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55.

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Tom Hamilton Report Abuse
Have you heard SWEET EMOTION!!!!?!!!! Definetly one of Aerosmith's greatest songs and it was written around one of Tom's greatest basslines!!!!!
671 points - added 14 years ago by guest -

56.

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Gene Simmons (Kiss) Report Abuse
Definantely the greatest, he makes even the simplest notes sound superb.
670 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 17 comments
Comments:
he shouldn't be on this list. But he is actually a little under-rated
Added 9 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Sorry for my englisch but the reason why gene is a good bassplayer is that you can hear a bassguitar in a song from KISS and all the others artists and bands you don't hear a bassguitar than the bass is useless but with gene a bassguitar is great, butt he isn't the best off course, In my eyes top10 at least
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
When Gene said he was "average" at bass, it wasn't self-deprecation. It was honest and accurate. 80 or lower is appropriate for this list.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is possibly the most overrated bass player ever.
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Why is the greatest man to ever pick up a bass guitar so low on the list? Are you absolutely insain? Gene Simmons is by far the greatest and most influential bass player in the history of all things rock. KISS itself has two comic books and several movies, people baught this stuff not to see Paul, Peter, or Ace but to see Gene Simmons. Did any other bassist have a reality t.v. show? NO! The closest you will get is The Sixx Sence with Nikki Sixx from Mötley Crüe. (Which I also love)
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Gene played Bass like a guitarist lol wow! I can play Detroit Rock City and I'm not even a bassist. I'm a guitarist and have attempted bass a few times and noticeably play it like a guitarist...which is normal...Gene plays like a guitarist lol
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I loved it when he set his hair on fire! EPIC!
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By his own admission, Gene is an "average" bassist. Doesn't belong in the Top 120.
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Don't go bad talking the bat-lizard now. Gene's no slouch on the four string.
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He makes the simplest notes sound superb because that's all he could play
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I agree with 43rd. That said, what do you mean, "didn't even know how to play early on?" By the time KISS was formed, Gene could certainly play bass well. The guy started playing bass in High school and went through the usual progression of garage bands (Lynx, etc), club bands (Wicked Lester) until finally making it big with KISS. It's not as though his career was like that of Sid Vicious or John Such or someone like that who was just in a band but couldn't really play well even after they were signed. Gene paid his dues.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Sorry, Gene didn't even know how to play early on. He may be great now, but I don't feel he belongs that high. I agree with 43rd.
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I agree. Detroit Rock City really identifies Gene's talents.
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"not even that good" are you kidding? Go listen to Detroit Rock City.
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He is not even that good
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Definitely talented, shouldn't be penalized for showmanship. Although he made a much better rock star in the 70's than he does a reality television star today.
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I think the make-up and mega marketing machine detracted from the musical talent Gene displays is so many songs. Close your eyes from the spectacle and listen.
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57.

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John Taylor - Duran Duran Report Abuse
I know Duran Duran were all flash and style and the poster children for 80's pop, but listen to the bass riffs. Complex, stylish, technically deep and funky. The driving force behind one of the most popular and biggest selling groups of the 80's.
663 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 9 comments
Comments:
Saw him on the Top 60 list of Music Player where he was ranked #1. If he isn't #1 then he should be pretty close. He's a perfectionist on bass and plays some demanding structures. He's been praised by a lot of other prominent bassists from Bernard Edwards to Duff McKagan as well. Unlike a lot of the bass players on this list, John is VERY versatile.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Can't believe some of the bassists listed above John. If he wasn't so good looking he'd get more respect. Rio, Last Chance on the Stairway, New Religion, Sound of Thunder, Girls on Film, Reflex, Notorious... need I go on? His quick, melodic, staccato style is so underrated.
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John Taylor is way better than many of the players listed above him. Come on...Bill Wyman is better?
Added 11 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I'm not even a Duran Duran fan, but John Taylor is wayyy better than Adam Clayton. New Religion off Rio is very difficult to play.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Superb bass guitarist. He plays very technical bass riffs live effortlessly. In my top ten for sure.
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john taylor should be along side steve harris as #1 and #2 greatest bass players of all time.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Saw D/D on RIO tour. John slaps that (Fret-less)Aria Pro II like he's auditioning for a funk band and makes it sound A+. Many of his riffs are very dif- ficult. He's underrated by far. :D
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Great bass player! Just listen to "Rio" and "New religion"!!!
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Superb bass player, with the look and attitude. The yanks love him! Less appriciated over here. Nice bloke too!
Added 13 years ago by dawkie, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

58.

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James Dewar- Robin Trower Report Abuse
That soulful voice, and basslines to DIE for. I got to #40, and STILL didn't see his name, COME ON !!
660 points - added 13 years ago by Nasty QC 704 - 1 comment
Comments:
You are soooooooo right about that !!! Mr. Dewar was second to none !
Added 10 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

59.

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Jeff Ament (Pearl Jam) Report Abuse
643 points - added 12 years ago by hrebollo - 2 comments
Comments:
Fretless bass actually isn't that difficult when you know where all of the notes are. A 12 string bass just seems extraneous -- may as well just play a Chapman Stick and get it over with. Snarky comments aside, Ament is an excellent bassist, deserving to be in the top 40 on here, I think.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Man, he is the greatest bass player you only need to try playing a 12 string bass or fretless thats very difficult!! he needs to be at a higher place
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60.

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Jean Jacques Burnel - stranglers Report Abuse
unique sound 0f low action precision bass coupled with feedback and blown speakers - Listen to Peaches, Nice n sleasy, no more heroes etc
617 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 12 comments
Comments:
Far better than many "placed" above him on this list. Top 10 material certainly
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Should definitely be top ten. JJ is the reason I took up bass.
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I think JJ should be in the top ten, he's a legend !
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JJ is in my opinion one of the top bassists in the world,always put 110% into his live gigs
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Has to be in the top 20 in my humble opinion,listen to Nice & Sleazy,easily one of the best bass riffs of all time
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JJ had a huge influence on me. Originally inspired by Chris Squire, JJ showed me the other side of the coin.
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Fantastic bassist and extremely hard bastard . Beats up morons who get in his way. Ever seen a bass player punch a bass guitar and make it talk, then watch Burnell.Listen to the track Down in the Sewer and start wishin you could play like him. Mozart would have been proud of The Stranglers. Black and White album proves he's the best. Nuff said !
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
JJB should be top ten, end of Story. If you Dont believe me listen to Threatened and Do you Wanna and Nice N Sleazy from 1978 album Black and White. Bitching & School Mam from 1977s No More Heroes lp,Duchess from 1979s The Raven lp, and Four Horsemen from 1980s The Gospel According to the Meninblack.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should be top 20 - period, best punk bassist by a mile!
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signature bass sound ... unmistakable - not many bass players you can say that about ... propels the music into a dimension of insistence that others only dream about ... genius ...
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without a doubt the bassist who inspired generations from 1977 and up with his dark lead type riffs and anthem driven tunes.....genius!
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Peaches was a classic bass line and the first I learnt to play, so I'm gl;ad he's in the list
Added 13 years ago by HeyDavidiii, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

61.

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CURT SMITH (Tears For Fears) Report Abuse
Do i need to explain???
608 points - added 12 years ago by guest -

62.

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Stuart Hamm Report Abuse
If you havent heard of Stuart Hamm you really dont know bass players.
580 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 7 comments
Comments:
Listen to Stu Hamm with Frank Gambale and Steve Smith playing The Challenger on the album GHS3. The ghost of Jaco! If you don't put Stu Hamm in the top 5, you don't know bass.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
'hottest bass', ever seen. 'Massey Hall', Toronto, ON. 1990.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This top is a joke, right? Stu not in the first 10? It seems that the voters here don't really know what a musician is. Dudes with facies, yes (Paul McCartney bass player?), or with some fingers on chords (Flea) but, not real musicians like Stu. At least, Jaco is on a deserved position.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Wow!! Only 43? Gasp!! Stu belongs in the top ten, easily. Nuff said.
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Stu is great, you people must be joking no. 31??, he is definitely in the top ten bass players.
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This man deserves a lot more credit than #30. He has performed with Satriani. His bass lines are phenominal. For every guitar player, to sound amazing, he must have a bassist of more or equal excellence. A song isn't any good with shredding if it doesn't have a nice, skilled low end to support it. Stu deserves at least top 10.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Another musicians' musician. For those not familiar with him. Hamm played in bands with Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, as well as a lot of studio work as a session player. For aspiring bass players who want to hear and get familiar with bass solos and leads, Hamm's work is a good reference.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

63.

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Pino Palodino Report Abuse
539 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 7 comments
Comments:
Pino is a very good musician in his own right, but a really poor choice to replace John Entwistle in the Who - someone like Billy Sheehan would have done their music far better justice.
Added 9 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Crazy good. This list seems to reward pretty boys
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
A master of the bass guitar...without him paul young wouldn't have been that fameous
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Feel sorry for all you people who didn't put this mastermind above all prev 35-40ppl. Go home and read your homework before ever saying anything again.
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His work on Gary Numan's album, Warriors, is incredible!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
It is Pino Palladino and not Palodino
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
There's a reason the Who invited Pino to tour with them after John Entwistle's passing in 2002.
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64.

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Rob Trujilo Report Abuse
528 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 13 comments
Comments:
seventy what? You´re kidding
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
INFECTIOUS. GROOVES. nuff' said. the dude is beyond.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
rob should be rank higher...
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it's spelled with two L's, but he's awesome!!!!
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
After Cliff the best bassist is Rob he should be ranked higher! CAUSE THERE'S No one better than the bassists of metallica. ( sorry for my bad english)
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he is the best bassist since cliff burton
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
It's spelled Trujillo, but, regardless, he's definitely a great metal, but also punk/funk fusion bassist (for those who recall his days with the band "Suicidal Tendencies" and "Infectious Grooves" circa 1990's).
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
at least top 20.... is the Metallica bass player.. oh my god ....
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Definitely the Greatest
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Rank him NUMBER 1
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
no he should be ALOT higher!!
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He should be ranked a bit higher . Metallica's keeping him for a reason ;)
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your joking ....rob is the man
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65.

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Jack Casady (Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna) Report Abuse
522 points - added 15 years ago by pxc0 - 7 comments
Comments:
People have simply forgotten Jack. Technically, he ranks up there with the very best and he offers both a soulfulness and that psychedelic edge like Roger Waters. Top 5-10.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I think for pure soul and mastery, jack is NUMERO UNO! JR
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jack should be much higher in this list, probably top 10. I always said he plays the bass with his eyebrows, which were more entertaining to watch when Jack was playing than alot of the entries in this list ranked higher than Jack.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
As an old "Dead Head" I love Phil too but Jack was the personality of the Airplane and an incredible presence on stage with his waist long hair and big dark sunglasses. Listen to Baxter's or the first Tuna recording and you will hear one of the greatest slap bass players ever!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
As much as I like Phil and The Dead, Jack blows Phil outta the water especially when it comes to stage presence.
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Should be ranked higher. Best bass player to come out of the San Francisco Psychodelic era, sorry Phil.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
did live gigs with hendrix... legend
Added 13 years ago by chap, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

66.

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Gordon Sumner aka "Sting" (The Police, solo artist) Report Abuse
512 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 4 comments
Comments:
Great finger-pluck style and (I think) unique. He has a very solid style, but I wish he would use a bit of flourish like Pino Palladino does.
Added 7 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He should be ranked higher. Listen to Ghost in the machine.
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Written some of the most beautiful music ever. Very versitile. Practically wrote all of the Police songs. Also lead singer for them as well. Awesome solo albums and music as well. One of the best bassists ever.
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Sting makes bass sound easy -- until you try to cover a Police song.
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67.

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David Eleffson Report Abuse
MEGADETH
493 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 8 comments
Comments:
he sholud be top 3
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He may not be the greatest bassplayer of all time, but he was and still is, a great inspiration to many metal bassplayers (including me).
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"Peace Sells" has a catchy bass intro that's actually not all that technically difficult. Megadeth has a few other songs with a good bass hook as well. Eleffson is a solid bass player, maybe about at the same level as Jason Newsted, but not exactly up to the level of Cliff Burton or Steve Harris.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Haven't you ever heard Peace Sells? He should be higher.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Fantastic Bass player
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hell YEAH!!! MEGADETH
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Dave Eleffson is an absolute freak... he should be way higher
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He is great, not the greatest, but at least in top 10 or top 15
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68.

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Jonas Hellborg Report Abuse
Remarkable improviser and incredible technique. Has played with John McLaughlin among others, however his albums as a leader are well worth checking out if you're a complete bass head. He crosses the jazz/rock boundaries and really is worthy of being up there with Stanley, Jaco, Marcus etc.
486 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Totally agree. Hellborg is amazing. Check out his work with Shaun Lane.
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69.

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Derek Forbes Report Abuse
Derek Forbes (born 22 June 1956, Glasgow, Scotland) is a Scottish bassist and sometime guitarist, best known for his work with Simple Minds (with whom he played from their 1979 debut album, Life in a Day until shortly after their 1985 hit, "Don't You (Forget About Me)"). His departure from the band was due to stylistic musical differences with the rest of the band during the recording of "Don't You (Forget About Me)" and prior to the release of Once Upon a Time. Forbes reunited with the band briefly during the recording of Néapolis, but he only recorded bass lines for the song "War Baby". Forbes quit the band once more after touring for Néapolis, again citing his differences with the band and their musical direction. Forbes started his musical career in the U.K. Subs. He contributed to their singles, "Gimme Your Heart" and "Party in Paris". After Simple Minds, Forbes went on to play in number of other bands, including Propaganda and Oblivion Dust. He currently he plays in Fourgoodmen, a Scottish new wave covers band. In 2009, Derek Forbes was voted Scotland's Greatest Ever Bassist by the readers of Dear Scotland
476 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
"Sweat In Bullett" is one of my fave basslines. Metallic and hard, on a fretless!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Love his work on Simple Minds' New Gold Dream!
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70.

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Jason Newsted Report Abuse
472 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 10 comments
Comments:
sorry Jason , the world never understood what u really were and are , neighter metallica didn't understand that
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
i think Jason really is better than no 54, i feel sorry of it
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Why are Jason and Robert right next to each other and Cliff is all the way up near the top? Not that i dont agree with it or anything...
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Newsted is often underrated.
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his bass solo from "my friend of misery" is the most melodic thing i have ever heard...
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oh my god man jason the 55th:| youre crazy... at least top 15....
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rob>jason (both are very god)
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Jason is the best. Trujillio is good but he's not like Jason.
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500000 Tons of heavy melodic and sweet bass lines... that's what Jason is to me... Underestimated by many, missed by millions... People said he had to carry with Burton's shadow, but I think he shines with his own light! Cheers mate!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I became a fan of Metallica with you as part of the band and I'll never forget that. You are missed!
Added 14 years ago by yyztsejam, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

71.

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Krist Novoselic Report Abuse
471 points - added 14 years ago by aiten - 9 comments
Comments:
This is not because he is popular that he is good! For example Dave Meros and John Myung from the 90's are far more important!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Where is Bagithi Kumalo??
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Nirvana will live forever!!!!!!
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This guy is the most important bassist of the 90's!
Added 12 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
What, is there some 40 year old dude in Seattle writing these comments who thinks that because grunge is still on the radio up there, it's still cool? Novoselic is hardly a legendary bass player.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
WTF man surely hr deserves under 25 spot.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Honestly come on he should be number 1.
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Cause he was one of the grandfathers of Grunge. Recognize.
Added 14 years ago by aiten, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Seriously...why he is this high on the list?
Added 14 years ago by yyztsejam, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

72.

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Mel Schacher Report Abuse
Listen to the "Grand Funk Railroad Live" album and enough said. Mel was heavy before heavy was cool.
465 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 4 comments
Comments:
Started my love for rock with GFR. Mel was outstanding on "Live"
Added 8 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should be much higher on the list!! Live Album rules!!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Sorry but whoever put him at 93 sure has alot to learn !
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Held Grand Funk together. Awesome talent. Needs to be alot higher on the list!
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73.

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Donald "Duck" Dunn Report Abuse
Wicked bassist. Listen to "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay".
454 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 4 comments
Comments:
Booker T.and the M.G'S,60'S INSTRUMENTAL BAND OF THE YEAR year in and year out.The driving bottom end of Stax Records
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Providing bass for the likes of Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, the Blues Brothers. COME ON!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
come on... THE 60's bass player!!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
not only those songs, but also (all?) / most of the Blues Brothers songs
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74.

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Rick Laird (Mahavishnu Orchestra) Report Abuse
445 points - added 14 years ago by guest -

75.

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Ben Shepherd Report Abuse
Incredible Bass player in the 90s. He wrote great songs like Head Down or Ty Cobb...
436 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
SOUNDGARDEN!!!
Added 10 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Has anyone heard Rusty Cage? I mean come on!!! 87 isn't high enough!!!
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76.

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Adam Clayton - U2 Report Abuse
421 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 11 comments
Comments:
Adam Clayton had some really interesting bass lines on their first few albums. around the time of the Joshua Tree, it seems he got lazy - that's the only way I can explain it.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Adam Clayton's boring?? have u guys even listened to any U2 songs at all?? OK he's got some simple basslines and mostly uses simpler note combinations but songs like Lemon, Do You Feel Loved, Unforgettable Fire, Get On You Boots, Twilight, Stranger in a Strange Land (just to name a few) all 'ave gr8 basslines which aren't easy!! Adam's bass playin' gives a gr8 atmosphere to every U2 song and without him the band would be empty!! I myself play u2 songs on the bass and they're not as easy as they might sound. Boring is a very aggressive and un-true comment!!! and I agree that he should be a bit higher than 45!!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Adam was in the band because he was the only one who owned an amp.
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Sometimes a basic, root note, eight to the bar plodder is exactly right for a band's sound. It's almost as though a really limited bass player can be an advantage for a band. Usually, you get a minimalist bassist who also sings (Sting, Lemmy, Roger Waters). At other times, you get Adam Clayton who happened to be in with the right group at the right time. At least he's a founding member of U2 and not some session circuit mercenary.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
1976: U2 formed, with Adam Clayton on bass 1995 (after the Zooropa tour): Clayton goes to NYC to take bass lessons You know what, though, U2 sounds okay and they didn't turn Adam's bass down in the recording mix or in concert. It's kind of fun to play U2 songs, people recognize them and it's not that difficult to mess up.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I play bass and would probably come about 3,609,450 th on this list. but I can play anything Adam Clayton can :-) The guy's just a basic, root-note, eight to the bar plodder; probably got in the band because he was the other's mate.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I play in a U2 tribute band (well did until last year) .... Adam's basslines are very straightforward and largely unimaginitive. You also don't need a lot of technical aptitude to play it ... in fact, I would recommend his basslines to anyone that is learning bass. I am a bass player and I have to overwhelmingly admit that The Edge is the glue. He's amazing.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Clayton is certainly a background bass player ("pocket player" I think is the term and meant in a stereotypical sense). This can be construed as either really solid bass playing or "boring." Personally, though, I think the likes of Tony Levin or Trevor Bolder would play 16th note circles around someone like Adam Clayton and thus should rank higher than he does on this list.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Are you joking!! Clayton is one of the most boring bassist's ever not worthy to be in the top 1000 bassist's!!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Excellent bassist.
Added 13 years ago by coker65, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Adam is the glue of u2. he should be up there with entwistle and lee
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77.

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Nathan East Report Abuse
Kenny Loggins , Fourplay , Eric Clapton
414 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 7 comments
Comments:
This is a Joke, right? He's played with the best in the world. He's a freakin' monster! He'd kill Flea with a single groove.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
What the hell?!?!?! 78?!?! This man provided bass for Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Barry White, Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, and a boat load of others! What is the metric of determining rank?
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I agree , he should have been in the top 15 at least
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As low as this? Have a word with yourself!! THE best bassist, end of!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
WOW!!! Who in the world came up with this list, things are all out of order. Larry Graham, Victor Wooten, Bootsie Collins, Stanley Clark, these guys made playing the bass what it is today. !!!MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS GUY!!!!! And, Nathan East should not be at 59, smooth jazz haters ....... lol Peace, and love.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
And now with TOTO. Nathan East was the guest bassplayer for both the 2010 and 2011 tour.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
A great bass player. on many Warner Brothers recordings
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

78.

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Will Lee Report Abuse
Check out how many records David Lettermans bass player has played on and then go see him play live with Oz Noy or his Beatles tribute band the Fab Faux. willlee.com
402 points - added 14 years ago by guest -

79.

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Trevor Bolder (Uriah Heep, David Bowie, Wishbone Ash, The Rats, et al) Report Abuse
395 points - added 13 years ago by guest -

80.

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Dave Hope - Kansas Report Abuse
this list contains many other late 70's prog rock bassist - Hope stacks up against any of them. check him out on Wayward Son next time your Classic Rock station spins it. Rock solid and facile, baby.
387 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Dave Hope has some exceptional bass work all throughout the first 10 years of Kansas existence and then later with A.D. He brought a bluesy, earthy sensibility to the celestial prog symphonics, which kept Kansas rooted solidly in authentic, gutsy American rock. Listen to "Song for America", "Magnum Opus", "Windows", "Miracles Out of Nowhere", "Apercu", and the classic "Carry On Wayward Son" to be blown away by his ability to fuse thunderous power with nimble dexterity.
Added 7 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

81.

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Herbert "Lum" York (Hank Williams Drifting Cowboys) Report Abuse
385 points - added 13 years ago by guest -

82.

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Bernard Edwards (chic) Report Abuse
Chic is the only disco act that anyone should take seriously. Bernard is one of the main reasons.
385 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 5 comments
Comments:
Not serious this rank
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
should be top 10
Added 12 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Only 47, kidding ?? Listen to "freak" and "good times"'s basslines,....
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Not the only disco act to take seriously. Try also Rose Royce and stunning bass player Lequeint 'Duke' Jobe. Take a listen to 'Car Wash' and his magnificent fills throughout.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I totally agree! If you love Disco, and let's face it it was fun stuff If you were around to appreciate it, the real intruments, before the synthesizers in the 80's It was Chic and Bernard Edwards. Very True Kudos!
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83.

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Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes) Report Abuse
379 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Awesome acoustic bass player.
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84.

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peter hook (joy division, new order) Report Abuse
Don't know why he isn't higher. Listen to 'disorder' and you'll know what I mean.
373 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 7 comments
Comments:
No WAY he's not in the top 20, possibly even the top 10. One of the best ever. He was one of the major driving forces in Joy Division's sound, and he defined New Order.There are a lot of people higher on this list who have half (or less) the talent.
Added 9 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Try playing the bassline to "Glass", and you'll know - he is very, very good.
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It's a shame that he's in such a position. I stop checking the chart after finding it
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Just make a copy and paste of the last comment. So true
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He should be in the top ten, one of the best. He developed his signature very melodic playing, projecting the bass into the frontline. All respect!
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love his playing. Songs like Regret and 60miles an hour the bass is the lead instrument. Very inventive
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amazing bassist!! deserves a high place... wrote some of the most memorable 'ringing' bass lines ever...listen to joy division album 'unknown pleasures' (not to everyones taste) ..timeless sounds though!
Added 13 years ago by chap, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

85.

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Dave Allen (Gang of Four, Shriekback) Report Abuse
Bassist and producer Dave Allen has been an influential part of the rock scene since the '80s. Although calling his label World Domination might be overstating the case, he certainly developed a solid fan base through his playing with the popular Gang of Four, and went on to be an important part of the somewhat more groovy Shriekback.
352 points - added 13 years ago by guest -

86.

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Paul Simonon (The Clash) Report Abuse
Probably one of the most influential and talented bassists in the punk rock genre. Definitely deserves some props.
343 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
He actually didn't know how to play bass UNTILL he was in the Clash. Not kidding. Look up intervews of him about his fender p-bass on youtube and he'll say so.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
too good a bassist to be this low.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
cool
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87.

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Michael Anthony Report Abuse
338 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
I'll bet he's better than Wolfgang. Too bad Eddie is such difficult person.
Added 9 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Master of the single note thump.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Great Bass Player especially in Chickenfoot.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

88.

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Steve Priest (Sweet) Report Abuse
Flame haired, camped up, gorgeous glamrock geezer! Bass players are usually (but not always) known as the 'quiet one' - but not our Steve. Responsible for many many sexual inuendos on many top hits, delivered with a pout and a grind ('we just haven't got a clue WHAT to do!') . . The sexiest bass player I've ever seen (yeah . . I'm a 'Sheila' LOL)! Clear, clean fretting, fast fingered and loud! Made his first bass guitar himself, but is famed for using a Danelecto for most of his career, succumbing to a Rickenbacker in the end. Has some damn good bass riffs under his belt and the deepest talking voice ever - but also 25% of the harmonious Sweet - forerunners to Queen, Motley Crue, Kiss - with their songs covered by many. Forget Wig wam bam and Little Willy from 1971/2 - try some of their heavier songs, and you'll see what I mean! EXCELLENT. And he's still gigging at the age of 63.
333 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 7 comments
Comments:
the best EVER!!! Steve i love youuu!
Added 8 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
yay yay up to be number one ^^ go Steve go Steve :3
Added 13 years ago by Caspisan, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Not even close to a top 100 Bass player. Very mediocre at best. LAME!
Added 13 years ago by pat24knicks, -6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Thanks Sweet4Ever-Forum User for fantastic voting, for the one and only great bass player Steve Priest.
Added 14 years ago by Sweetconnolly, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Definitely time recognise true talent. Rock fans will agree - vastly underrated. Good to see him at the top.
Added 14 years ago by Petra, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Check the LP tracks and B-sides and marvel at this man's prowess!
Added 14 years ago by zabadak, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Brilliant to see this vastly underated bass man getting the recognition he truly deserves.
Added 14 years ago by Ewan, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

89.

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Leeland Sklar Report Abuse
Session man who has literally played for everybody from James Taylor to Toto.
329 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 5 comments
Comments:
If we are rating studio session mechanics and not personalities, Leland should be #1.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should be MUCH higher on the list.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
At least spell his name right if you like the dude...Leland Sklar....geesch...
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
SKLAR is INCREDIBLE! #70 my ass!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
"Leland Sklar"..
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

90.

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Simon Gallup (The Cure) Report Abuse
329 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 4 comments
Comments:
I was shocked when I didn't see Simon in the best 20. A forest, Other voices, Primary, I mean the guy is a genius
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
this is a joke!! I mean he's such a great bass player that it hurts not to see him among the 5 best ones.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Simon Gallup should be WAY higher than this. Listen to 'Primary' from the Cure's Faith album.
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Along with Peter Hook, the most influential bassist of the 80s. Listen to Editors, Interpol and all the new post punk Indie bands..that sound came from this guy,
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

91.

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Paul Raven - Killing Joke, Prong, Ministry and other Report Abuse
RIP Paul Raven had an unique feel of contributing very live and vivid bass which made the songs a lot more enjoyable. Nobody gives him much credit but just listen to Snap Your Fingers Snap Your Neck or "Hosannas From The Basement Of Hell" , or for that matter any other project of his, and you'll recognize his input right away. Underrated genius will be greatly missed!!!
327 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Fantastic bass player with a great bass sound. Brilliant on "Nightime" album.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

92.

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Kelly Groucutt (Electric Light Orchestra) Report Abuse
305 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
The late, great Kelly Groucutt laid down the indelible bass line that anchored dozens of prog-pop classics. Yes, Electric Light Orchestra did have a progressive side, as any listener who has heard their deep tracks knows. They also had several funky songs and pure dance pop as well. Groucutt was a versatile and energetic player, as well as a strong vocalist and striking stage presence. He is greatly missed.
Added 7 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
ELO, Progressive??? BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Jeff Lynne put them on a pop/rock path they've never wavered from. I don't know how Bev Bevan could stand being in such a lame situation.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hands down the best bassist in the Progressive Rock genre.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

93.

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Frank Bello (Anthrax) Report Abuse
302 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
Bello carries the Anthrax sound and has done so for years. As mentioned before, Caught in a Mosh, Keep it in the Family...the list continues.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Caught in a Mosh? Madhouse? Indians? C'mon!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This guy should probably at least be in the top 100
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94.

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Carol Kaye (session player) Report Abuse
Carol is a monster! Check her stats. She played most of beach boys-pet sounds.. also worked with Doors, joe cocker, zappa, ect, ect. Very under rated.
300 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
This girl should be on the top 15.... This is not fair.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This Lady is possibly one of the best bassists in the world and should e way up near he top pf this list! You may not know Carol Kaye's name, but you know her work. You've probably heard at least a few dozen examples, and all the words, too. She spent the '60s as the most requested session bassist in L.A., playing on many of the tracks and albums that form the American pop canon: the Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, Ray Charles, Sam Cooke, the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling, " "La Bamba," "These Boots Are Made for Walkin,' " Joe Cocker's "Feelin' Alright," the Doors' "Light My Fire," "I Am A Rock," "Wichita Lineman," the majority of Phil Spector's "Wall of Sound"–era productions, as well as most of the Monkees discography. Her credits show up everywhere, from "Theme from Shaft" and Frank Zappa's Freak Out! to Electric Prunes, Dusty Springfield albums, and literally hundreds more. Carol Kaye is said to be the most recorded bassist in history, with a purported 10,000-plus tracks to her credit.
Added 11 years ago by slide123, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

95.

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John Glascock Report Abuse
Bass player for Jethro Tull at its best. Sadly, died at 28 with much undone.
291 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Listen to John's playing on Songs from the Wood and Heavy Horses. Search Youtube for 'John Glascock Solo' . John should be way way up this list - anyone's top 50 and my personal top 10.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

96.

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Berry Oakley Report Abuse
Original bass player for the Allman Brothers. This guy lived his music, and is one of the most soulful bass players I have ever heard. Just listen to The Allman Brothers live at the Fillmore East concert, and you will hear some of the most melodic and inventive playing ever recorded to tape.
286 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
Truly one of the all-time great bass players. His untimely death in 1972 probably means that most people here weren't born yet, are too young to remember him or too uninformed to recognize that his music lives on.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
bigtime, so underrated on this list
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

97.

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Stu Cook (CCR) Report Abuse
281 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
Anyone heard any Creedence Clearwater Revival song EVER? Stu is a hero to all who listen
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he is great bassist he should be at top 10
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His part was recorded softly, but they were incredibly difficult and complex. Should be ranked much higher than 75
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98.

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Tim Commerford (RATM, Audioslave) Report Abuse
280 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
should be in top 20
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Not amazing, but solid, RATM basslines started very regimented with synth - more hip-hop. Not technically gifted, but perfectly complimentary to Tom Morello's style
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This is a great bass player. I have only heard two songs by Rage Against The Machine, but I am a big Audioslave fan. All of there songs are Basslines with guitar over it. He is a lot higher on my list.
Added 13 years ago by C.I. Bassist, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

99.

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Matt Freeman (rancid) Report Abuse
WTH listen to maxwell murder
278 points - added 14 years ago by guest - 13 comments
Comments:
Matt Freeman is my favorite musician of all time. He created modern punk bass, and has consistently written interesting and new material for for over 25 years since he was a teenager in operation ivy. The level of skill he showed from a young age was mindblowing. Listen to 1998, A clockwork orange, or countless other rancid tunes. He uses arpeggios and often plays in double time in order to lay down a layer of sound for the guitar to play across. And don't knock it just because he plays with a pick.
Added 9 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I have to agree. Matt should definitely be in the top 10.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Top 10 easily if this want a popularity contest
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
If more people listend to puck matt would be in the top five. listen to journey to the end of easy bay people. terrible he is this low
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Rancid would be nothing without Matt, he makes bass a lead instrument, and cuts through Lars' and Tim's dual rhythm guitars. definitely the best modern punk bassist
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
definitely got the sickest bass lines every. that is all
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
no chance matt freeman should be number one with ease! listen to the crazy bass lines on the out come the wolves album, maxwell murder has a sick bassline!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
i say #6 behind lee entwistle harris mingus and flea
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I think he should be in the top 10. Listen to Axiom and Idle Hands.
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I agree, Dude is a Beast!
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Why is this guy so low?
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chilli
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
listen to any operation ivy song this guy is a god on bass should be way higher up on the list than flea from the red hot chilly peppers...
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

100.

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Nikki Sixx Report Abuse
257 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 4 comments
Comments:
I'm generally unimpressed with Nikki Sixx. If you ever read any biographies on Motley Crue (like "The Dirt"), you might actually think less of him. He has some street smarts and business smarts, though, and managed to retain control of the band as its principal songwriter. As a bassist, though, meh.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
buddy nikki sixx wrote all the motley crue albums he pretty much wrote a number one album by himself with drfeel good 114 is a bit far back on the list i would say 20 or 21
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is a great song writer and has producing talent but is not a great bass player..he plays bass well enough to be in a rock band.
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he is a geat!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
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