Top 50 Bass Players

the book is wildly inaccurate. however lets agree that both are incredible and leave it at that.

 

Been listening to Yes all day, Chris Squire's pummeling bass lines blow my mind!

 

Is this meant to be directed inward but got reversed when it came out in written form? You made it personal by talking about who would or wouldn't make your list. And the personal stuff continues as you discuss your taste in music and how long you've played bass.

Obviously, many professionals and those who have played the instrument for similar periods don't agree with you about Butler. As just one of the more famous examples; Ronnie James Dio called him the greatest bass player of all time. Dio played bass (as well as other instruments) and worked with countless musicians during his long career, and his reputation as a musician transcends whether or not you listen to any music with which he was involved. Dio wasn't right or wrong, it's just that these guys don't make these lists without precedence.

Let's agree on the greatness of Jack Bruce and that's good enough for me.

 

Flea IS a better bass player than McCartney.

I know it hurts to read it. but you needed to be told.

 

who?

Cliff Burton is a bass legend. I've never heard of Henry Squire & Oscar Pistorius.

 

who are these people?

Pappalardi produced Cream right? never even heard of the others. and they're supposed to make a list of bass players?

you boomers!

 

You do realize I'm 16 years old, right? Or was that sarcasm?

Joe Bouchard, of Blue Öyster Cult.


Felix Pappalardi played bass with Leslie West/Mountain, and has a reasonable following for his incredible Fuzz Bass work, as well as his fairly unique voice. He was also Cream's producer, yes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0l_x0xH9fLM

Jack Cassady, of Jefferson Airplane, arguably the inventor of Lead Bass. He's number one in many people's books, often including mine (either him or Jack Bruce). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVGmfQG4IaE

Dennis Dunaway did some brilliant work with the original Alice Cooper group. Do I really even need to explain this one? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbYf0hFowm4

 

I made it personal about myself, not about you. There's a difference.

 

Someone finally got it right...Geezer Butler over Jaco Pastorius.

 

Jaco Pastorius revolutionized bass guitar playing. He played with Weather Report and recorded with some others.

 

Why single out Butler? If Jaco's style appeals, then hardly anyone above Geezer in this poll is going to be better than him either.

Personally, I'd take Butler over Pastorious. I truly admire Pastorious, but Butler's style and teamwork approach appeals to me more. Heck, I prefer Alphonso Johnson in Weather Report to Pastorious.

 

Glad to see Tina Weymouth on the list.

 

every one who ever picked up a bass been named yet?

 

It's too bad Allen Woody from Gov't Mule didn't get a spot.

 

yo just gave him one.....leland sklar here anywhere?

 

I guess I did it because they were next to each other. However, to list him before Jaco is kind of ridiculous. And, as you probably know, I love Geezer and at times in the Sabbath ABA thread I pointed out times when Geezer was the cause for one of my favorite moments in rock music such as Neon Knights. It goes beyond the appeal of his style.

To list Cliff Burton before Jaco is also ridiculous IMO. I love Cliff also.

 

Jaco was a great team player also. His lines supported the song when that was needed. His technique was such that he played a standout role when the time came . He acted as almost a horn player at times.

 

Nobody ranks above Bootsy, Jamerson or Larry Graham. Nobody.

 

The top three match my top three. As for those missing, the most glaring for me is Eric Avery. And I play bass, for whatever that's worth.

 

I love Rickenbacker basses!!!

 

I hear they're particularly heavy. Is that true?

 

Charlie Haden's estate must have refused his inclusion on that list.

 

Roger Waters in the top 20 is a joke - as much as I love Pink Floyd. Bill Wyman should have been higher than 45 and the lack of Jack Casady is a disgrace.

At least they put John Entwistle in the right position though.

 

I agree Bill Wyman should crack the top ten easy. And no Jack Casady is a disgrace.

 

James Lee Jamerson