Who is the Greatest Bassist?

[Punisher2191]

I think it would be Les Claypool or Cliff Burton, but Chris Wolstenholme is my favorite

[Oscar-Rio]

Les Claypool

no contest.

[back_blows]

Inbeforeback_blows.

[sonicnerd23]

Les Claypool

no contest.

Oh, god, yes.

[Oscar-Rio]

Inbeforeback_blows.


you can trouble me for a warm glass of shut the hell up.

[Punisher2191]

Les Claypool

How did I forget about Primus?

[back_blows]

you can trouble me for a warm glass of shut the hell up.

You're so abusive when you drink.

[JukeBoxHero]

I believe that to be a question that can't be answered, I do think a couple comes close. Roger Patterson of Atheist and most definitely John Entwistle of The Who.

[Oscar-Rio]

You're so abusive when you drink.

and i always drink. All yous guys watch your backs:mad:

[back_blows]

and i always drink. All yous guys watch your backs:mad:

We need to get you to AA.

Back to business. My favourite bassist is Steve Harris, but Jaco gets the nod.

[MronoC]

inb4dennisdunaway...

...also, Dennis Dunaway

[sonicnerd23]

Oh, yeah, Chris Squire is also pretty godly.

[Shredder87]

We need to get you to AA.

Back to business. My favourite bassist is Steve Harris, but Jaco gets the nod.
Whoa, whoa, WHOA!!!!

I'm the drunk here don't you forget that!!!! It's been that way for the past year and a half I've posted!!!!!

....and I go with one Clifford Lee Burton.

[ArmsAreLoud]

Flea is really, really good. Les Claypool is even better.

[Mystlyfe77]

In no particular order.
Cliff Burton
Les Claypool
Geddy Lee

[sonicnerd23]

David Ellefson is a cool bassist too. Dawn Patrol has the most badass bassline ever.

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

Jack Bruce Kicks Ass (came up with Sunshine Of Your Love originally on a double bass)

[MovieFreak921]

There are some very good bass players out there, but none of them come close to matching John Entwistle. He practically invented rock bass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVl39LBZGMw

[TheClashTheClashTheClash]

My favorite is Paul Simonon. He may not be the best skillwise but he comes up with great bass lines and is the coolest bassist ever

[Runesmith]

James Jamerson.

[UneasyMonkey]

In my own opinion, I think it would be Chris Wolstenholme from Muse or Cliff Burton (R.I.P.) from Metallica.

Cliff Burton is up there, but it's definitely not Chris Wolstenholme...


Oh, yeah, Chris Squire is also pretty godly.

not "pretty"...VERY


Flea is really, really good. Les Claypool is even better.

I agree


In no particular order.
Cliff Burton
Les Claypool
Geddy Lee

They're all amazing, but I'll have to say that Burton is the worst out of those three


Jack Bruce Kicks Ass (came up with Sunshine Of Your Love originally on a double bass)

Yes, he literally kicks the bass strings' asses


There are some very good bass players out there, but none of them come close to matching John Entwistle. He practically invented rock bass.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVl39LBZGMw

I agree completely. I believe he is the greatest bass guitarist of all time (RIP :()

Along with Entwistle and Bruce, Paul McCartney, Phil Lesh, and the guy in Jefferson Airplane (I forget his name...) are the big "pioneers" in using the bass guitar in more ways than just being in the background laying down the rhythm. Those five bassists are the first to be "lead bassists." All the great bassists have been influenced by at least one of those.

[UneasyMonkey]

James Jamerson.

Yes, one of the greatest. Definitely in the top 5 of all time

[swet07]

Larry Graham(invented slap)
John Entwistle
Chris Squire(love Roundabout)
Les Claypool(mastered slap)
Justin Chancellor(In terms of creativity)

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

Cliff Burton is up there, but it's definitely not Chris Wolstenholme...



not "pretty"...VERY



I agree



They're all amazing, but I'll have to say that Burton is the worst out of those three



Yes, he literally kicks the bass strings' asses



I agree completely. I believe he is the greatest bass guitarist of all time (RIP :()

Along with Entwistle and Bruce, Paul McCartney, Phil Lesh, and the guy in Jefferson Starship (I forget his name...) are the big "pioneers" in using the bass guitar in more ways than just being in the background laying down the rhythm. Those five bassists are the first to be "lead bassists." All the great bassists have been influenced by at least one of those.

Jefferson Airplane (Originally)
I'm pretty sure his name is Jack Casady, White Rabbit has an amazing bassline

[UneasyMonkey]

Jefferson Airplane (Originally)
I'm pretty sure his name is Jack Casady, White Rabbit has an amazing bassline

Oh yeah, I can't believe I said Jefferson Starship. I guess they were in my mind cos I was listening to Miracles earlier. And yeah, Jack Casady is his name

[ArchangelZero]

Claypool!!!

[zeldazeppelin]

heath

[My name is Fez]

No mention of Victor Wooten? **** you guys =p

Victor Wooten, IMO, is the most musically accomplished bassist.

Les Claypool's my favorite, though.

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

No mention of Victor Wooten? **** you guys =p

Victor Wooten, IMO, is the most musically accomplished bassist.

Les Claypool's my favorite, though.

Claypool is a Monster Player:cool:

[KallenS]

No mention of Victor Wooten? **** you guys =p

Victor Wooten, IMO, is the most musically accomplished bassist.

Les Claypool's my favorite, though.

I was just gonna name Victor Wooten. Seriously, hes a god. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha0ESJIIDFg

[Fizzeler]

Roger Patterson of Atheist .

Definitely than Chris Squire, but have to give it to Patterson first

[UneasyMonkey]

I was just gonna name Victor Wooten. Seriously, hes a god. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha0ESJIIDFg

Damn, he's like the Stevie Ray Vaughan of bass

[SuperRocker47]

id say Geddy Lee. i just feel he is very good and really adds another dimension the Rush as opposed to a lot of other bassists

[gmarsh]

John Enwhistle

[ArchangelZero]

1. Les Claypool
2. Geddy Lee
3. John Paul Jones
4. Cliff Burton

And there is a 5th but I can't remember who it is....

[LegendofRock3021]

There are some amazing bassists like Geddy Lee, Jack Bruce, and Chris Squier among others, but I'd say John Entwistle is the greatest.

[GNRrockslife]

My top 5 in no particular order:
Steve Harris
Geddy Lee
Francis "Rocco" Prestia (Tower Of Power, awesome bassist if you've never heard him)
Victor Wooten
John Entwistle

[MrFruitLord]

Well, from what I understand, Krist Novoselic doesn't do anything "Special" but I like him.

[rowtheboat]

Cliff Burton

[Kush_TT]

Geddy Lee

[the atomic sasquatch]

Cliff Burton hands down.

[Gowienczyk]

Mike Watt

[Siege21392]

Whos Tool's bassist? i think hes the best

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

Whos Tool's bassist? i think hes the best

Justin Chancellor has been on all their albums, except their debut

[cherokeesam]

Thunderfingers.

All other bassists bow before Entwhistle.

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

Thunderfingers.

All other bassists bow before Entwhistle.

This - RIP Johnny Boy

[RedBaron45]

Geddy Lee (Rush)
Flea (RHCP)
Peter Hook (Joy Division)
John Entwistle (The Who)
Kim Deal (Pixies)

To name a few......

[kralle]

I hate to follow the majority but...

Les Claypool made it possible for a bassline to front over a guitar. That takes skills... that and the weird sounds he makes

[cherokeesam]

I hate to follow the majority but...

Les Claypool made it possible for a bassline to front over a guitar. That takes skills... that and the weird sounds he makes

Yeah, but Entwhistle was already doing that back in the 60s.

The Who is one of those rare bands where BASS is the lead guitar. Townshend was just a rhythm guitarist.

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

Yeah, but Entwhistle was already doing that back in the 60s.

The Who is one of those rare bands where BASS is the lead guitar. Townshend was just a rhythm guitarist.

With the occasional solo

[cherokeesam]

With the occasional solo

Not many, though.
Pete would be the first to admit that he was the least talented musically in the group. Roger had the voice, and nobody's better than John and Keith on bass & drums. Pete wasn't trained on guitar at all, and he didn't play it very well for years and years. He only had the proverbial three chords starting out, and was perfectly content to let John take "lead" guitar on the bass. Pete's role was primarily as songwriter and agent provocateur and general pr*ick.

It wasn't until the mid-70s that Pete genuinely started becoming a good guitarist, and felt comfortable enough to take lead and throw in a few solos.

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

Not many, though.
Pete would be the first to admit that he was the least talented musically in the group. Roger had the voice, and nobody's better than John and Keith on bass & drums. Pete wasn't trained on guitar at all, and he didn't play it very well for years and years. He only had the proverbial three chords starting out, and was perfectly content to let John take "lead" guitar on the bass. Pete's role was primarily as songwriter and agent provocateur and general pr*ick.

It wasn't until the mid-70s that Pete genuinely started becoming a good guitarist, and felt comfortable enough to take lead and throw in a few solos.

I say Bonzo is the greatest drummer to have ever lived, then Moon, then Ginger Baker

[dman13]

Geddy Lee from Rush is a great bassist. He has a unique style of playing that creates his good tone.

[zeldazeppelin]

i still like heath and the bassist from Tull

[I_Use_Shamwows]

Les Claypool, Flea or Justin Gunnar Walter Chancellor

[s1yfox]

James Lomenzo,David Ellefson,or Robert Trujillo no doubt!

[franticfish]

Not many, though.
Pete would be the first to admit that he was the least talented musically in the group. Roger had the voice, and nobody's better than John and Keith on bass & drums. Pete wasn't trained on guitar at all, and he didn't play it very well for years and years. He only had the proverbial three chords starting out, and was perfectly content to let John take "lead" guitar on the bass. Pete's role was primarily as songwriter and agent provocateur and general pr*ick.

It wasn't until the mid-70s that Pete genuinely started becoming a good guitarist, and felt comfortable enough to take lead and throw in a few solos.Not really, check out Filmore East 1968 bootleg and listen to the improv on Shakin' All Over, Relax and My Generation he plays some licks that would put most guitarist's to shame. Also 15 minute version of My Generation on live at leeds, in the early years yeah he couldnt solo that well but it didnt take him up untill the mid 70s to become acomfortable soloing.

[Alphadork]

Agreed with most of the names mentioned (especially Entwhistle, Lee and Claypool) but will throw in an honorable mention for two unsung bassists that should make any top list.

Geezer Butler - Black Sabbath
Roger Glover - Deep Purple

[MovieFreak921]

I say Bonzo is the greatest drummer to have ever lived, then Moon, then Ginger Baker

Keith is without a doubt the greatest. Personally, I don't really see why everyone considers Bonham to be so great. He was a very skilled drummer, but besides Moby Dick, I can't think of another song that can really top Moon's overall performance.

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

Keith is without a doubt the greatest. Personally, I don't really see why everyone considers Bonham to be so great. He was a very skilled drummer, but besides Moby Dick, I can't think of another song that can really top Moon's overall performance.

Do you even realize this man's TALENT?

Good Times Bad Times, Achilles Last Stand, Four Sticks, Bonzo's Montreux, When the Levee Breaks, How Many More Times, . Dazed And Confused, The Crunge, In My Time Of Dying, Whole Lotta Love

[Cubecubed]

im sure somebody has said Steve Harris....but im going to say it again.:p

[MovieFreak921]

Do you even realize this man's TALENT?

Good Times Bad Times, Achilles Last Stand, Four Sticks, Bonzo's Montreux, When the Levee Breaks, How Many More Times, . Dazed And Confused, The Crunge, In My Time Of Dying, Whole Lotta Love

Of course I realize his talent. I said he was a very skilled drummer, and I'm perfectly aware of the songs you mentioned, but in my opinion, nobody will ever surpass the raw power and intensity that Moon brought to the drums. Bonham was great; Moon was far greater.

[franticfish]

Of course I realize his talent. I said he was a very skilled drummer, and I'm perfectly aware of the songs you mentioned, but in my opinion, nobody will ever surpass the raw power and intensity that Moon brought to the drums. Bonham was great; Moon was far greater.I although I dislike the term "greater than" I do find Moon much more thrilling and exciting to listen to plus he's a huge influence on me musically.

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

Of course I realize his talent. I said he was a very skilled drummer, and I'm perfectly aware of the songs you mentioned, but in my opinion, nobody will ever surpass the raw power and intensity that Moon brought to the drums. Bonham was great; Moon was far greater.

I Respect your opinion but, far greater isn't appropriate to say. If you think someone is better than Bonzo, that is fine but, no one is Far greater than him.

[Alphadork]

but in my opinion, nobody will ever surpass the raw power and intensity that Moon brought to the drums. Bonham was great; Moon was far greater.

Anytime you start arguing about people with the kind of talent these men had, personal taste almost always comes in to play. Moon's intensity versus Bonham's rhythmic cadences versus the technical excellence that is Peart.

Of course none of them is as good as jazz great Buddy Rich . . .
;)

[My name is Fez]

I Respect your opinion but, far greater isn't appropriate to say. If you think someone is better than Bonzo, that is fine but, no one is Far greater than him.

lolopinions.

I like Brann Dailor more than Bonham. Let alone Keith Moon.

[cherokeesam]

Of course none of them is as good as jazz great Buddy Rich . . .
;)

Tru dat.

The (Un)Holy Trinity of Moon, Bonham and Peart ALL are forever in debt to Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. Those two were the masters, and the ones who created the style that the Big Three would immortalize.

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

Tru dat.

The (Un)Holy Trinity of Moon, Bonham and Peart ALL are forever in debt to Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa. Those two were the masters, and the ones who created the style that the Big Three would immortalize.

What About Baker, You have to include him man, he was drumming way before moon/Bonham/Peart, he had age, wisdom, and experience over all these young kids at the time. Maybe even Bozzio/Palmer should be included

[HeavyChains]

Easily Victor Wooten!

[AKALink]

John Entwistle of the Who
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5mFVo55bKQ

[The-Hawk27]

I prefer Nick Simper, but I'm sure no one else does

[SenorLarry]

I've honestly never heard of Les Claypool. I'd have to say either Cliff Burton, Jason Newsted, or Nikki Sixx.

[MrFruitLord]

I've honestly never heard of Les Claypool. I'd have to say either Cliff Burton, Jason Newsted, or Nikki Sixx.

...
....... Check out Primus sometime. and since you seem to love Metallica, he auditioned for bass, but was "too good"

[Mega-Tallica]

Billy Sheehan and Victor Wooten are my favorite.

Sheehan makes the bass sound like a guitar and Wotten has the best slapping technique on bass I've ever seen. Easily, the best 2 bassist's in the business.

[Meyernltn]

Ray Manzarek's left hand...but i'm bias.
Les Claypool is amazing. I also like Flea a lot- he's a cool guy.

[sabbaththeblack]

John Entwistle, Larry Graham, (Sing A Simple Song) Chris Squire, (Roundabout) Flea, (Aeroplane) Geddy Lee, (YYZ) Jack Bruce (Badge)
Les Claypool (Tommy The Cat or Jerry Was a Racecar Driver)

[DethTung]

Cliff Burton all teh way!

[Joe922]

for me it has to be sting

[Irnbruguy]

Billy Sheehan.

[Zeleii]

It's a tie for me, not greatest but favorite of course

Mackaz of High and Mighty Color
Masato Nakamura
or Inoran (Granted he isn't a lolfap bassist, his groove is ****ing great... you don't hear it you feel it)

[Parodygm]

Anyone heard of Mick Karn?

[zeldazeppelin]

Kim Gordon

[Bucketheader]

Les Claypool.

or Tommy Stinson.

[Rockonforever]

Can't decide on 1 but here are my favs in no particular order:

Entwistle
Stanley Clarke
Geddy
John Paul Jones
Cliff Burton
John Myung

Don't really know any of the newer guys (1999-present), but as far as thrash & that faster stuff, does not make you better because you play faster. That said, doesn't mean they are no good, just not familiar. I judged based on the bass lines these guys came up with album after album after album after album.

[Rockonforever]

I've honestly never heard of Les Claypool. I'd have to say either Cliff Burton, Jason Newsted, or Nikki Sixx.

I honestly never thought Newsted would be mentioned here. Too spotty for me. Seems like many songs he just wasn't there & others he ripped it up. No consistency. FYI, yes, I am familiar with way more than just his Metallica days.

[bood-boy]

there would be no claypool without geddy

so geddy wins IMO.

but i enjoy more of claypools work.

[moose39]

John Entwistle, John Paul Jones, Geddy Lee, or Flea.

[Rockonforever]

[QUOTE=My name is Fez;2266406]No mention of Victor Wooten? **** you guys =p

Victor Wooten, IMO, is the most musically accomplished bassist.

Forgot about him, too many to remember. That is why I love these threads. First multiple winner of bassist of the year & I believe first 3 time in a row winner. I saw him play w/Stanley Clarke. Amazing player.

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

there would be no claypool without geddy

so geddy wins IMO.

but i enjoy more of claypools work.

There would be no Geddy without Entwistle, and so on and so forth

[Rockonforever]

Geddy Lee from Rush is a great bassist. He has a unique style of playing that creates his good tone.

Would much prefer he only use the Rickenbacker though. Defined his sound much like almost all of the other favorites in this thread (Entwistle, Claypool, Squire, Flea, Burton & one I have yet to see on this thread.......Geezer Butler).

[Rockonforever]

Agreed with most of the names mentioned (especially Entwhistle, Lee and Claypool) but will throw in an honorable mention for two unsung bassists that should make any top list.

Geezer Butler - Black Sabbath
Roger Glover - Deep Purple

And then I scrolled further. My bad.

[dragonanthony86]

i love those funky bass riffs from flea

hes my favorite, but les claypool is probably more talented

[fiedy88]

geddy lee forever.

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

Jack Bruce all the way

[Vampire-Jekyll]

Is there no love for James Jamerson of The Funk Brothers?

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

Is there no love for James Jamerson of The Funk Brothers?

There is

[Mega-Tallica]

I'm going to repeat myself here and say that Victor Wooten, Billy Sheehan, and John Myung are the best 3 bassists around.

[Jimi_F_1992]

it goes like this. if you havent heard Primus, you are missing THE BEST bassist ever in Les Claypool. he is the bass guru. Geddy Lee comes 2nd i think and i would put either John Entwhistle behind him or Flea. dont forget about Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones either.

[PJudge]

I think Geddy Lee is probably the best, but my favourite's are probably not as talented as him in comparison. I personally think Nikki Sixx or Duff McKagan are pretty cool, but they don't come close to Geddy.

[classicrockdude]

Jack Bruce all the way

This guy knows what he's talking about;)

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

This guy knows what he's talking about;)

I wasn't serious, but my boy is def top ten, possibly top 5. :)

[classicrockdude]

I wasn't serious, but my boy is def top ten, possibly top 5. :)

i'm being serious

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

i'm being serious

Really? You think Bruce is the best? If so :cool:

[classicrockdude]

Really? You think Bruce is the best? If so :cool:

Maybe not the best, but he's up there

[ROCKBANDFANATIC7526]

Maybe not the best, but he;s up there

That's what I just said before. :rolleyes::p

[MrFruitLord]

it goes like this. if you havent heard Primus, you are missing THE BEST bassist ever in Les Claypool. he is the bass guru. Geddy Lee comes 2nd i think and i would put either John Entwhistle behind him or Flea. dont forget about Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones either.

Necroposting is fun isn't it?

[franticfish]

Best bassist ever is Jaco Pastorius.

[Dante1847]

It starts with Victor Wooten: the running theme with this guy is that he plays the bass so freaking fast that he has 8 arms--which, if you go to a live performance of his (I have) he'll actually play into that theme. Ive seen Victor Wooten play the bass with drum sticks live--nothing quite like it. He is by far the best bassist around.

[Mega-Tallica]

It starts with Victor Wooten: the running theme with this guy is that he plays the bass so freaking fast that he has 8 arms--which, if you go to a live performance of his (I have) he'll actually play into that theme. Ive seen Victor Wooten play the bass with drum sticks live--nothing quite like it. He is by far the best bassist around.

Agreed, he's the best. I've also seen him live along with Billy Sheehan, best bassists I've ever seen or heard.

[Dante1847]

Speaking of which, with the forthcoming release of The Beatles: Rock Band, lets get some Victor with "Norwegian Wood"

[Alright_Computer]

Best bassist ever is Jaco Pastorius.

/thread

[TeamAliceFTW]

Talent wise, I'd either go with Cliff Burton or Les Claypool. But with my fav sound, I have to say Chris Wolstenholme.

[instantdeath999]

If we're talking just pure technical talent, I'd have to go with Pete Wenz.

[ArmsAreLoud]

Les Claypool has always been a favorite of mine. Bass is the only instrument where I can't say *insert Soundgarden member here* and call it a day; Ben's a great song writer and has excellent stage presence, but he's no virtuoso.

[willdabeast21]

Me


No, probably Flea he's pretty good
Lemmy and Steve Harris are also up there, and I've always been a Duff McKagan fan.
Yeah, I don't really know, it's hard to judge

[JukeBoxHero]

Yargh, I say James Jamerson comes close to being one of the greatest bassists of all time. I don't think there really is a greatest bassist though.

[clashcityrocker10]

I don't think there really is a greatest bassist though.

I agree, it's nigh impossible to have a consensus pick for a greatest anything, really. My favorite bassist is John Entwistle, but I'm also a big fan of Tina Weymouth, Jay Bentley, and Darryl Jenifer, amongst others.

[JukeBoxHero]

I have many favorites, with Jamerson being near the top right now because to be honest, I find it quite a feat to play a bass line like this so smoothly with one finger.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ND-iW51idC0

[lord of da sith]

Geddy Lee

[40FootWolf]

John Entwistle.

Boom. Done.

[Jaykob]

Sean Yseult, how has everybody forgotten her, and for those of you who don't know, she's the bassist from white zombie. Amazing bass lines with complexity and depth, plus she's hot, auto-win..:D

[mjlambert1]

Tony Levin is my pick...

[classicrockdude]

Felix Pappalardi

[Parodygm]

Adding Mick Karn into the mix.

[Fizzeler]

Roger Patterson is one of my favorites, but not one of the best

Chris Squire though he is up there

[Gowienczyk]

For rock music? Mike Watt, imo.

[SpoonQuest]

Billy Mays.

Just kidding. Les Claypool is my favorite

[gintoki55]

Victor Wooten or Les Claypool. :)

[DrewLee865]

Tony Choy or Les Claypool. Cliff Burton should not even be considered one of the best bassists of all time.

[supernova1324]

Tony Choy or Les Claypool. Cliff Burton should not even be considered one of the best bassists of all time.

It's like you read my mind.

[MrFruitLord]

Cliff Burton should not even be considered one of the best bassists of all time.

I never understood the hype around him.

[DrewLee865]

I never understood the hype around him.

I guess people people just get wowed by bass solos that sound like guitar parts.

[irockprettyhard]

Les Claypool Or Abnormalities bassist

[MrFruitLord]

I guess people people just get wowed by bass solos that sound like guitar parts.

I don't understand calling him great because of a Bass solo. I've heard plenty of better sounding and/or technical bass solos than his. It's sad that he died, but he gets way to much credit.


Les Claypool Or Abnormalities bassist

You don't even know the name?

[Vaultous93]

I would say Geddy Lee, John Paul Jones, Flea, or Cliff Burton.

[hakko504]

I have a thing for Joey DeMaio of Manowar. I saw him play Sting of the Bumblebee live and I was quite impressed. Of course, as a KISS fan I should mention Gene Simmons, but quite frankly, there are better bassists out there. Like Geezer Butler, Lemmy Kilmister, Steve Harris.

[Teh_Jakester]

Kelly LeMeiux. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvCqKqQiuZU)

/thread

[Pewizzle93]

Cliff Burton = overrated as balls. Being dead =/= Being best bassist ever

Oh, Kelly LeMeiux > all