21 Best Rock Bassists of All-Time Who Were Integral
What makes a legendary bass player? Technical prowess, musical fluency, creativity, and influence are all required components of the highest caliber rock musicians. Rock’s annals have borne witness to some unique talent: from the pioneering days of rock and roll to modern alternative metal – each wave has been buoyed by influential bassists who pushed their instrument and genre further with every note.
Who are the best rock bassists ever?
To be a superb rock bassist, one must possess the skill to lock into solid grooves and provide the foundation for their bandmates to build upon. Furthermore, they should have an innate musicality that leads them to craft engrossing bass lines that elevate each song’s overall effect effortlessly. Ultimately, any true great of this genre has left behind some form of meaningful legacy, whether through their recordings, live shows, or influence on other musicians.
In this blog post, let’s journey through the history of rock music and pay homage to some of its greatest bassists. We’ll explore how 21 iconic musicians made their mark in the 60s and 70s, as well as today – from technical innovations to influential legacies. So grab your bass guitar and get ready for a tour through time with some of the best rock bassists ever! With honorable mentions going to Stanley Clarke (not rock), Sting, Ross Valory, Randy Jackson, Tom Hamilton, Rudy Sarzo and Bill Wyman here we go!
21. Roger Glover (Deep Purple)
With his methodical yet creative approach to bass guitar, Roger Glover has firmly established himself as a driving force behind Deep Purple’s iconic sound. His distinct style of playing draws inspiration from blues, rock, and progressive rock music – earning him the rightful title of one of hard rock’s most revered bass players in history.
His iconic bass lines are recognized for deepening the charm of Deep Purple’s most beloved songs, such as “Smoke on the Water,” “Hush,” and “Black Night.” His skillful technique creates a compelling force that amplifies each song’s enchantment.
20. Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy)
Phil Lynott was Thin Lizzy’s great frontman and bassist, renowned for his passionate yet harmonic playing style. He masterfully merged components of blues, hard rock, and folk into a single signature sound that enthralled audiences worldwide. His smooth yet intricate lines made him one of history’s most appreciated and skillful classic rock bassists.
Lynott created timeless bass lines for some of their most famous songs, such as “Whiskey in the Jar,” “The Boys Are Back in Town,” and “Jailbreak.” His aptitude to craft captivating melodies was an essential element that gave these tracks their unforgettable tone.
19. Roger Waters (Pink Floyd)
As bassist, vocalist, and songwriter for the iconic progressive rock band Pink Floyd, Roger Waters left an indelible mark on popular music. His signature playing style featured intricate lines that gracefully blended elements of progressive rock, hard rock, and psychedelic styles with masterful finesse. As a result, he was widely regarded as one of the greatest bass players in advanced music history.
From “Money” to “Another Brick in The Wall Part 2,” his bass lines have become central elements to their classic sound today. His innovative approach sets him apart as a musician and captivates audiences worldwide with songs like “Wish You Were Here.”
18. Larry Graham (Sly and the Family Stone)
Larry Graham was a game-changer in the funk music genre with his unique bass-slapping technique and driving grooves. His influential tracks such as “I Want to Take You Higher” and “Dance to the Music,” performed alongside Sly & the Family Stone, were groundbreaking at their time – breathing new life into the style of bass playing by being both passionate and inventive.
His revolutionary slapping technique for the bass guitar has become an iconic fixture in funk music, and its ongoing influence on musicians everywhere is immeasurable. His legacy will continue to guide generations of bass players for years to come. Indeed, with Larry Graham’s musical genius, we possess a different sound today!
17. Donald “Duck” Dunn (Booker T. & The MGs)
Donald “Duck” Dunn was a masterful soul-music pioneer renowned for his funky and groovy bass playing. With Booker T & The MGs, he created the perfect foundation with hits like “Green Onions” and “Time is Tight,” providing an unbeatable low-end vibe that was both forceful and subtle.
Donald “Duck” Dunn’s peerless timing and impact on soul and R&B music are beyond compare. However, his signature bass grooves still possess a decisive significance, providing an undeniable evergreen relevance.
16. John Deacon (Queen)
John Deacon is one of the most iconic classic rock bassists in history. His unique style seamlessly blends rock, pop, and funk – lending much to Queen’s celebrated sound that has gone down as a musical legend. Whether performing or composing, this talented musician will always be remembered for his incomparable influence on music with his remarkable skills at playing the bass guitar.
Deacon’s incomparable bass lines have become a signature part of Queen’s renowned sound, as showcased in such notable tracks as “Another One Bites the Dust,” “Under Pressure,” and “I Want to Break Free.” In addition, his ability to craft infectious melodies makes these songs unforgettable classics.
15. Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead)
The indomitable Lemmy Kilmister of Motörhead was an unparalleled bass virtuoso, conjuring up a level of sheer power that reverberated through the instrument. His style was basic yet relentlessly powerful – his original approach to the bass guitar gave Motörhead’s music an incomparable edge unlike any other band at the time.
Lemmy demonstrated that the bass guitar can be a lead instrument just as much as any electric or acoustic guitar with chart-topping songs like “Ace of Spades” and “Overkill.” His booming bass lines were an iconic characteristic of Motörhead’s music, and his influence on sound is immense.
Lemmy’s sound was characterized by a unique rawness, powerful tone, and unstoppable grooves that pushed Motörhead’s music forward. He is an irreplaceable talent who has inspired countless bassists since his time on the scene; Lemmy will remain remembered forever as a true rock pioneer and pillar of the bass community. His legacy lives on!
14. Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
Geezer Butler was a groundbreaking figure in heavy metal music, famously known as the bassist and lyricist of Black Sabbath. His aggressive playing style blended blues, hard rock, and metal elements to create something unique. His dense bass lines are widely considered some of the most impressive ever seen within the realm of heavy metal – a legacy that will live on for generations to come!
Butler’s impressive contributions to some of the most iconic Black Sabbath tracks, including “Iron Man”, “Paranoid,” and “Black Sabbath,” demonstrate his proficiency in creating heavy yet captivating bass lines. His remarkable innovative style of playing has heavily contributed to the evolution of hard rock and metal music; hence he is lauded as one of the greatest bass players ever known in classic rock music.
13. Chris Squire (Yes)
Chris Squire, the unparalleled bassist and co-founder of the renowned progressive rock band Yes is credited for his distinctive sound. His remarkable playing style seamlessly weaves classical music with jazz and rock influences to create a truly unique soundscape – it’s no wonder he is considered one of the most skillful bassists in progressive rock history!
Squire perfectly blended virtuosity and creativity in his songs for the band Yes, such as “Roundabout,” “I’ve Seen All Good People,” and “Long Distance Runaround.” His dextrous playing is a large part of why these tracks remain among their most popular today: no one could craft spellbinding yet catchy bass lines like him!
12. Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)
Steve Harris, the founder of Iron Maiden and renowned bass guitarist, is widely celebrated for his iconic style. His unique and aggressive playing has become synonymous with heavy metal music – mastering intricate bass lines while providing a musical backbone to the band’s songs. So it’s no wonder he’s regarded as one of the finest in this genre; after all, his influence on music is undeniable.
Harris has left an undeniable mark on the music world with his signature playing style. His iconic tracks such as “The Trooper,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” “Fear of the Dark,” and “Wasted Years” showcase his distinct ability to fuse together powerful chords into fast runs and sweeping arpeggios that produce a hard-hitting rhythm.
11. Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck and the Flecktones)
Victor Wooten is a legendary bassist whose mesmerizing musicianship has earned him praise and admiration across the globe. His innovative, electrifying style combines jazz with aspects of funk and world music to create a truly unique sound that will leave you in awe. As a result, he’s rightfully established himself as one of the most distinguished bassists today—a true maestro!
A founding member of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Wooten is celebrated for his impeccable timing, creative techniques, and soulful style that he brings to songs such as “UFO Tofu” and “Sinister Minister.” In addition, his bass playing has an inherent strength that, combined with effortless grace, makes him genuinely one-of-a-kind.
10. Cliff Burton (Metallica)
Regarded by many as one of the greatest bassists in heavy metal history, Cliff Burton was the renowned bassist of Metallica. His revolutionary playing style blended elements from classical and jazz music with intricate solos and inventive bass lines that provided a robust backbone to each song. In addition to his role within Metallica’s soundscape, he undeniably impacted the genre at large, which continues today.
With iconic heavy metal tracks such as “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” “Creeping Death,” and “Orion,” Cliff Burton’s distinctive playing style is still renowned in the world of music today. His influence on heavy metal is simply immeasurable with his virtuosic and revolutionary guitar licks, sure to stand the test of time.
9. Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big)
Billy Sheehan is a virtuoso bassist who has left his mark on bands such as David Lee Roth and Mr. Big. His playing style incorporates lush melodic passages, progressive rock intricacy, hard-rocking solos, and extravagantly melding genres. Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest ever to pick up a four-stringed instrument, Billy’s innovative approach has inspired musicians across all genres of Rock Music for decades.
Billy Sheehan’s bass lines are renowned as some of the most iconic ever written. His tracks like “Goin’ Crazy!” and “To Be With You” with Mr. Big, plus his collaboration on David Lee Roth’s classic “Yankee Rose,” powerfully illustrate his pure creativity and skill at crafting masterful melodies that have left an indelible mark in music history.
8. Jaco Pastorius (Weather Report)
Pastorius revolutionized the world of jazz fusion with his awe-inspiring playing style, pushing the limits of what was possible on electric bass. Through his creative technique and captivating solos, Pastorius completely changed how we view and use the bass in modern music, becoming a veritable icon for all those who admire their craft.
Jaco Pastorius’s iconic hits, such as “Teen Town” and “Portrait of Tracy,” showcased his sheer talent in jazz fusion music and unparalleled skill on the electric bass. His pioneering spirit has continued to ignite inspiration among current musicians, leaving an indelible mark on musical history. To this day, Jaco Pastorius is remembered for his immense contributions to the world of music that will never be forgotten.
7. Jack Bruce (Cream)
Jack Bruce was an unparalleled bassist renowned for his impressive playing that skillfully intertwined rock, blues, and jazz. His instrument mastery shone through in every note he played – with solos so dazzling they truly embodied musical genius. On top of all this talent, Bruce’s groundbreaking approach to the bass made him a legendary figure amongst those who play it.
Jack Bruce’s laudable works with Cream, such as “Sunshine of Your Love,” highlighting his passionate and moving artistry on the bass guitar, and “White Room,” showcasing his proficiency and innovative technique, are still being celebrated today. His influence in music is genuinely unquantifiable – a tribute to Jack Bruce’s immense contributions.
6. Les Claypool (Primus)
Les Claypool is a renowned musician who has revolutionized the rock world with his innovative bass skills. As the vocalist and bass guitarist for Primus, he amalgamates elements of punk, funk, and metal into one thunderous sound – earning him worldwide praise as one of the most talented players within this genre. Not only does he have an impressive repertoire but many listeners credit Claypool’s unique style for inspiring their own musical journeys.
His impressive expertise on the bass guitar is remarkable and revealed in some of his most acclaimed Primus tracks, such as “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver,” “Tommy the Cat,” and “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver.” His creative approach to playing this instrument has earned him praise from fans worldwide, who marvel at how he crafts powerful yet unique basslines that make up an essential part of these songs.
5. John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones is recognized as a cornerstone of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin for his unparalleled and eclectic bass guitar playing. His artistry exudes elements of blues, classical music, and folk melodies – making him one of the most pioneering bassists in modern-day rock history. With great finesse, he has crafted a unique sound that distinguishes high-caliber musicianship from all others.
He provided some of their most iconic and beloved music in songs such as “Good Times Bad Times,” “Black Dog,” “Rock and Roll,” and “Kashmir.” His unique skillset to compose innovative yet catchy bass lines brought life into each track they created together, a talent that was likely essential for crafting such timelessly revered works.
4. Geddy Lee (Rush)
Renowned for his technical excellence, Geddy Lee has become an indispensable part of Rush’s progressive rock sound. Utilizing a combination of jazz, classical, and complex rock elements in his bass guitar playing style, the celebrated musician is heralded as one of the most talented bassists ever to grace classic and modern rock music genres.
Lee’s illustrious bass-playing shines brightly on some of Rush’s most iconic tracks—namely, “Tom Sawyer,” “The Spirit of Radio,” “Closer to the Heart,” and “Subdivisions.” His intricate and vigorous lines give each song significant energy that cannot be found elsewhere in music.
3. Paul McCartney (The Beatles, Wings)
Paul McCartney’s name echoes through music history as a legendary musician, singer, and songwriter. He rose to fame as the bassist for The Beatles and was later the leader of Wings. His unique style of playing has influenced many in rock and pop genres around the world throughout generations; his skill at the bass is widely celebrated as one of the best seen!
Sir Paul is celebrated for his melodic and unique approach to playing, typically featuring intricate bass lines that serve as the bedrock of The Beatles’ most iconic tunes. In addition, his virtuoso technique on the bass guitar opens up many sonic possibilities, aiding in creating the legendary sonic landscape synonymous with The Beatles.
McCartney’s timeless and iconic tracks with The Beatles, such as “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” “Come Together,” and “Yesterday,” are unforgettable due to their distinctive bass lines. His skill for constructing relevant riffs makes these songs so memorable even today.
2. Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Flea, the bassist of the iconic rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, is renowned for his energetic and distinctive approach to playing bass guitar. His signature techniques incorporate slapping strings to produce a distinctively sharp percussive sound. Moreover, Flea expertly combines funk, punk, and jazz elements into every performance – granting the Red Hot Chili Peppers their unparalleled sound that has come to define them as musical legends today.
He is widely acclaimed as one of music’s most creative and influential bass players. His renowned tunes with them include “Under the Bridge,” “Scar Tissue,” “Californication,” and “Can’t Stop,” all exemplifying his unique capability to merge technical prowess with raw emotion to create an unparalleled sound that is both refreshing and contagious.
1. John Entwistle (The Who)
A musical genius, John Entwistle is renowned as the groundbreaking bassist of the legendary rock band The Who. At only 10 years old, he mastered playing the French horn before transitioning to his signature instrument—the electric bass guitar. His creative style featured finger-picking techniques that generated a unique high-pitched sound combined with his distorted notes and powerful tone. This innovative fusion catapulted him into music history as one of the most influential and admired bass players in all of rock & roll!
The Ox was renowned for his intricate and innovative bass lines, which often stole the show in The Who’s music. He crafted several iconic songs with the band, including “Boris the Spider,” “Whiskey Man,” and “My Wife,” displaying his exceptional skill on the instrument. Apart from playing with The Who, Entwistle released solo albums and collaborated with other artists across multiple genres throughout his lifetime.
Conclusion
There it is! I know, I know a couple of jazz/fusion and soul bass players make the cut but hey it’s my list!
Tags: best bassists in rock
