Top 50 Bassists Ever: Rock to Funk Icons

Introduction

The bass guitar is the unsung hero and backbone of most music. Though often overlooked, the bass lays down the groove and rhythm that gets people moving. Without a solid bassline, most songs would fall flat.

To determine the top 50 greatest bassists of all time, we evaluated several key factors: innovation, influence, technical skill, iconic bass lines, versatility across genres, and lasting impact. The rankings also considered both recorded works and live performances in assessing each bassist’s overall musicianship.

The electric bass guitar traces its origins back to the 1930s and 40s when experiments with electrically amplified instruments led to the creation of the first solid-body electric bass. Early pioneers like Fender and Gibson helped popularize and standardize the bass in the 1950s. As rock and roll took off, the bass became a staple of rhythm sections. Over subsequent decades, bassists continued to expand the possibilities of the instrument across every genre through revolutionary techniques and approaches. From hard rock to funk to jazz, bass players have provided the heartbeat of music and pushed the evolution of their craft. The 50 greatest bassists profiled here represent the very best of this often overlooked but vital instrument.

The Top 10 Bassists of All Time

The top 10 bassists represent the absolute pinnacle of bass playing across all genres. These musicians demonstrated unmatched skill, innovation, influence and lasting impact through their work.

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10. James Jamerson

    • Known for his signature syncopated bass lines on countless Motown hits in the 1960s
    • His playing on songs like "I Was Made to Love Her" and "Bernadette" made the bass into a lead instrument
    • Created complex bass parts that made Motown’s "The Funk Brothers" rhythm section legendary

11. John Paul Jones

    • Bassist and multi-instrumentalist for Led Zeppelin, blending blues, rock, folk and eastern influences
    • Wrote and recorded iconic bass lines for "Dazed and Confused," "The Lemon Song," "Ramble On"
    • Brilliant improviser who pushed bass playing forward with his melodic, rhythmic and textural approaches

12. Paul McCartney

    • Not just a brilliant pop songwriter, but an innovator and virtuoso on bass guitar
    • McCartney’s playing on Beatles classics added nuance and countermelodies to establish the "lead bass" approach
    • His work on "Something," "Rain," "Come Together" and more showed the bass’s potential as a melodic instrument

13. John Entwistle

    • Bassist for The Who, standing out through his fleet-fingered, aggressive playing style
    • Nicknamed "The Ox" for the thunderous power and prominence of his bass lines
    • Songs like "My Generation" and "The Real Me" feature groundbreaking bass solos and use of treble

14. Flea

    • Bassist for Red Hot Chili Peppers, blending punk, funk and rock with pop melodicism
    • His hyperkinetic slap bass lines were at the forefront of the band’s sound
    • Songs like "Higher Ground," "Give It Away," "Aeroplane" showcase his rhythmic dexterity and speed

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5. Jack Bruce

   • Most famous as bassist/vocalist in 1960s power trio Cream
   • Pushed bass into more melodic and soloistic territory, influencing future players
   • Iconic bass lines on "Sunshine of Your Love," "White Room," "SWLABR"

6. Geddy Lee

   • Bassist and frontman for prog-rock legends Rush
   • Combined intricate bass parts with synthesizers and vocals
   • Groundbreaking use of bass pedals and complex instrumentation on classic songs like "Tom Sawyer"

7. Stanley Clarke

   • Jazz fusion pioneer who elevated bass technique and soloing
   • Brought bass into the spotlight through solo albums and with Return to Forever
   • Master of slap bass, tapping, chording, and advanced improvisation

8. Jaco Pastorius

   • Revolutionized electric bass playing across all genres in the 1970s/80s
   • Introduced harmonics, chording, advanced soloing techniques still widely used
   • Iconic fretless bass lines on "Come On, Come Over," "Portrait of Tracy," "Teen Town"

9. James Brown

   • The "Godfather of Soul" and his band created funk music itself
   • Brown directed pioneering bassists like Bootsy Collins to create infectious grooves
   • Songs like "Sex Machine," "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine," "Super Bad" set the template for funk bass

What makes these 10 bassists stand out as the greatest ever? They each pioneered new techniques, tones and rhythmic approaches on the bass guitar. Their iconic bass lines are immediately recognizable classics. Each expanded the possibilities of the instrument across many genres, from rock and pop to funk, jazz and soul. Most importantly, their bass playing was integral in creating the signature sound of their legendary bands and recording artists. The top 10 bassists showed the true capabilities of the bass guitar as a lead and solo instrument.

Rock Bass Gods

Rock music is built on a foundation of hard-driving, powerful bass lines. While the guitar solos may get all the glory, it’s the bassists who provide the relentless grooves that define the genre. They anchor the band, lock in with the drummer, and allow the guitars and vocals to soar. Many of rock’s greatest bass players have created iconic bass parts that are forever linked to classic songs. Let’s look at some of the bass gods who shaped the sound of rock:

John Entwistle – As the bassist for The Who, John Entwistle practically invented the role of bass as a lead instrument in rock. Rather than just playing root notes, Entwistle crafted melodic, complex bass lines that functioned like another lead guitar. Songs like "My Generation" feature incredible bass solos where Entwistle shows off his lightning-fast fingers. His aggressive, throbbing tone became a blueprint for hard rock bassists.

Geddy Lee – As the bassist and vocalist for Rush, Geddy Lee pushed his instrument to new heights of complexity. His bass serves as the main melodic counterpoint to Alex Lifeson’s guitar, often taking the role of a rhythm guitar. Lee’s intricate parts are a focal point in Rush’s prog-rock opuses. His fleet-fingered solos and use of synths expanded the possibilities for bass.

Geezer Butler – Black Sabbath’s doomy metal sound was built on Geezer Butler’s crushing bass riffs. Butler tuned down his bass and plucked heavy, sustained notes to darken Sabbath’s sound. His bass lines chugged along like unstoppable rhythmic machinery, providing the foundation for Ozzy’s vocals and Tony Iommi’s guitar. Songs like "Iron Man" and "N.I.B." epitomize his influential style.

These bassists showed the possibilities of the instrument and set the bar for technical skill. But most importantly, their iconic bass lines gave rock music its powerful forward motion and heaviness. They proved bass can be just as essential as vocals or guitar in defining a band’s signature sound. Every rock bassist since has been influenced by these masters.

Funk & R&B Masters

Funk and R&B music would not be the same without the driving, infectious grooves laid down by some of the most iconic bassists in these genres. Players like Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins, and Louis Johnson pioneered new techniques and approaches to the bass guitar that had an enormous influence on the evolution of funk and R&B.

Larry Graham is considered one of the forefathers of funk bass. As the bassist for Sly and the Family Stone in the 1960s and 70s, Graham developed the influential slap and pop technique, plucking the strings to create a percussive, rhythmic effect. His bass lines on songs like "Dance to the Music" and "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" demonstrate his uniquely syncopated, funky style that paved the way for future players.

Bootsy Collins took Graham’s innovations even further as part of the legendary James Brown band and then Parliament-Funkadelic. His bass playing on classics like "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine" and "Flash Light" showcase his deep grooves, psychedelic effects, and extroverted persona. Collins expanded the possibilities of the bass as a lead instrument in funk music.

Louis Johnson was the consummate session bassist, bringing his slick chops to records for artists like Michael Jackson, George Benson, and the Brothers Johnson. His iconic line on Jackson’s "Billie Jean" is one of the most recognizable in pop music history. Johnson’s expert musicianship and versatile ability provided the foundation for many funk and R&B hits.

The revolutionary techniques, tonal approaches, and emphasis on rhythm and feel developed by these masters fundamentally changed the role of bass guitar in funk and R&B. Their influence can be heard in the work of later stars like Prince’s bassist Brownmark, P-Funk player Robert "P-Nut" Johnson, and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea. From deep pockets to flashy solos, these icons set the standard for grooving.

Jazz Virtuosos

Jazz bass playing reached new heights thanks to the skills and innovations of these legendary players. Their mastery expanded the possibilities of the bass and redefined what could be achieved on the instrument.

Jaco Pastorius

Jaco Pastorius is considered one of the most influential electric bassists of all time. With his 1976 debut album Jaco Pastorius, he introduced a revolutionary fretless bass sound that combined a singing, horn-like tone with advanced harmonics and chording techniques. His speed, precision, and unique phrasing made him a virtuoso soloist while also anchoring funk and jazz fusion groups like Weather Report. Songs like "Portrait of Tracy" and "Teen Town" showcase his unprecedented skills.

Stanley Clarke

Stanley Clarke elevated the bass to the forefront as a melodic, soloing instrument. Mixing jazz with funk and rock, he stretched the limits with his mastery of rapid bass lines, chords, tapping, slapping, and fingerstyle playing. Clarke’s work with Return to Forever in the 1970s, along with solo albums like School Days, impacted a generation of bassists with his innovative command of the bass.

Marcus Miller

Marcus Miller built upon the foundations of Pastorius and Clarke by incorporating modern R&B. His dynamic slap bass technique combined with advanced chordal and harmonics playing has been hugely influential. Albums like Tutu with Miles Davis and his own work showcased his versatility across genres. Songs like "Power" and "The Chicken" highlight Miller’s rhythmic grooves and deep musicality on the bass.

Unsung Heroes

Some of the most brilliant and influential bassists tend to fly under the radar, with their remarkable skills and tasteful playing being overlooked or taken for granted. Here are a few unsung heroes of the bass that deserve far more recognition for their profound impact on the instrument and other famous bassists.

James Jamerson was the epitome of an unsung hero. As part of the Funk Brothers studio band, he played on countless Motown hits in the 1960s but was largely anonymous at the time. His syncopated, melodic lines on songs like "I Was Made to Love Her" and "Bernadette" defined the Motown sound. His influence can be heard in many legendary bassists that followed.

Carol Kaye might be the most prolific bassist ever, with over 10,000 recording sessions under her belt for artists like Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, Frank Zappa and many more. Her brilliant feel and tone shaped the sound of ’60s pop but she remains relatively obscure. She also wrote iconic bass lines for songs like "La Bamba" and "Good Vibrations."

Duck Dunn was the heart of the Memphis soul rhythm section, powering classics like "Hold On I’m Comin’" and "Soul Man." His deep pocket and bluesy authority anchored countless Stax hits. He profoundly influenced later stars like John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin.

The Meters’ George Porter Jr. crafted effortlessly funky bass lines that inspired a generation. His playing on songs like "Cissy Strut" set the standard for N’awlins funk bass. He’s far less famous than those he influenced like Flea, Les Claypool and Stuart Zender.

One-Hit Wonders

Some bassists are known primarily for a single iconic song or riff that has stood the test of time. Though their catalogs may not be as extensive as others on this list, their brilliance shines through in these legendary bass lines that everyone knows and loves.

Bernard Edwards – "Good Times" by Chic

As part of the disco and funk band Chic, bassist Bernard Edwards laid down the infectiously funky bass line for the hit "Good Times" in 1979. While simple in structure, it’s considered one of the most sampled bass lines in modern music. Edwards locks into the pocket with drummer Tony Thompson to create an irresistible groove.

Mel Schacher – "My Sharona" by The Knack

When "My Sharona" exploded onto the charts in 1979, bassist Mel Schacher cemented his place in music history with the instantly recognizable riff. The relentless, hypnotic bass line drives the song and exemplifies Schacher’s ability to serve the song. The riff sounds simple but contains subtle variations that keep it dynamic.

Michael Henderson – "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson

On Michael Jackson’s iconic "Billie Jean," session bassist Michael Henderson created a bass line as smooth as liquid mercury. It flows effortlessly under Jackson’s vocals, providing the foundation for a worldwide smash hit. Henderson’s phrasing choices shine, making "Billie Jean" a prime example of a bass line elevating a great song into an all-time classic.

While these bassists may not have extensive catalogs, their iconic bass lines demonstrate how a simple, well-constructed, perfectly phrased groove can achieve immortality. Their contributions exemplify the power of a brilliantly executed musical hook.

The New School

The bass guitar continues to evolve with each new generation of players who build upon the legacies of past masters while forging fresh styles and sounds. Here are some of today’s most innovative bassists who represent the future:

Thundercat

Stephen Bruner, better known as Thundercat, exemplifies the modern bassist. He blends jazz, funk, hip hop, and electronic music into a unique style. Drawing inspiration from greats like Jaco Pastorius and Larry Graham, Thundercat has developed advanced techniques like slapping and popping to new levels. His nimble basslines interweave with his falsetto vocals to create a one-of-a-kind fusion sound.

MonoNeon

Dywane Thomas Jr, aka MonoNeon, is a YouTube phenomenon acclaimed for his playful funk/R&B bass grooves. His highly percussive, syncopated lines showcase his remarkable skill. MonoNeon’s adaptability across genres from soul to blues to pop is unmatched. His colorful tone and phrasing on both fretted and fretless basses pay homage to past masters while still sounding fresh.

Esperanza Spalding

Mixing jazz with soul and funk, Esperanza Spalding has broken conventions in her bass playing and singing. She was the first jazz musician to win the Best New Artist Grammy. Her advanced harmonic sensibilities and passion for improvisation have helped redefine the role of the bass. Spalding represents the new generation of virtuoso bassist-bandleaders.

Tal Wilkenfeld

Australian bassist Tal Wilkenfeld first gained notice as a 20-year-old playing with Jeff Beck. Her melodic lines and tasteful restraint showed remarkable maturity. Wilkenfeld draws from vast influences like Jaco Pastorius, Pino Palladino and Meshell Ndegeocello. She now leads her own jazz/fusion groups and clinics to inspire young bassists.

Honorable Mentions

These brilliant bassists just missed cracking the top 50:

• Chris Squire – His intricate, melodic basslines were the cornerstone of Yes’ progressive rock sound.

• John Paul Jones – As the bassist for Led Zeppelin, he provided the crushing, bluesy low end behind some of rock’s greatest riffs.

• Tina Weymouth – Alongside her husband Chris Frantz, she laid down funky grooves as the bassist for avant-garde new wavers Talking Heads.

• Paul McCartney – Though better known as a Beatle, his inventive playing as a bassist, especially on Sgt. Pepper’s, was hugely impactful.

• John Entwistle – His lightning-fast fingers and use of chords gave him a lead bass style that heavily influenced hard rock and metal.

• Carol Kaye – One of the most recorded bassists ever, she played on countless ’60s pop hits and helped refine studio bass techniques.

• Meshell Ndegeocello – Fusing funk, soul, hip-hop and jazz, her deeply grooving basslines push boundaries.

• Les Claypool – His slap bass pyrotechnics and dark humor fueled the eccentric rock of Primus.

• Mike Watt – He pioneered punk bass with The Minutemen, blending funk, jazz and surf rock influences.

• Robert Trujillo – His heavy, percussive slap bass brought new levels of aggression to Metallica.

Conclusion

This definitive ranking of the 50 greatest bassists of all time provides many insights into what defines a truly remarkable bass player. First and foremost, musicality is essential. The best bassists don’t just play notes, they play music – with phrasing, dynamics, and emotion. Groove and rhythmic feel are also core traits of legendary bassists. Their ability to lock into the drums and provide the heartbeat of the music with deep, infectious pocket is critical.

Innovation and versatility also characterize the all-time greats. Bassists like Jaco Pastorius, Larry Graham, and Les Claypool expanded what’s possible on the instrument through groundbreaking techniques and genre-blending approaches. The top players must also have versatility to excel in different styles, from rock to funk to jazz. Taste is another hallmark, as the greats know when to show off with flashy solos and when to tastefully support the song.

Looking to the future, the possibilities seem limitless for where visionary bassists can take the instrument. With technology enabling new sounds and recording techniques, there are few boundaries on how the role of the bass may evolve. The legacy of the past legends provides inspiration for new generations to build on those foundations while forging their own distinctive styles. Music will always need a deep, solid groove and bassists will continue driving the bus in exciting new directions. The future legends are out there right now, practicing and innovating to make their mark with the power of bass.