Back to Bass-ics: Who is rock's greatest bassist?

We're talking about rhythm!

 The Everett Collection

First and foremost: We will not, and cannot, list every rock bassist ever. That would be impossible. So, please, do not be offended if you can't find your exact preference. If that's the case, kindly include your favorite bassist's name (without yelling at anyone) in a comment below!

Bah-doom-boom-boom 

Behind every great frontman is a great bassist, holding it down, and providing that groovy backbeat. Sometimes, the frontman is the bassist. But mostly, they're different equally important people. 

Bum-dum-dum-bum

So, who is the best bassist to ever rock out on the four-stringed axe? Take your pick!

  1. Who is the best on the bass?

Back to Bass-ics: Who is rock's greatest bassist?

Your Result...

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Pellentesque nec ante ipsum. Mauris viverra, urna et porta sagittis, lorem diam dapibus diam, et lacinia libero quam id risus.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
Close

89 Comments

Zip 8 days ago
Thought of another bassist whose playing I really like, just haven't listened to their stuff in a while, but Mark King of the 80's band Level 42 is a really good bassist and he's another talented guy who also sings lead.
jholton30062 10 days ago
How about Peter Cetera, Leland Sklar, Nathan East, or Jim Fielder?
Rob 11 days ago
Rivkah Reyes (Katie from School of Rock)!
Ajarofclay 12 days ago
Answers here are clearly FAVORITE and MOST POPULAR picks rather than BEST. I was tempted to vote the same until I saw one surprising name. I don't doubt that most if not All of the top picked musicians are or would be in AWE of Les Claypool.
Fareweather 13 days ago
Mel Schocer Grand Funk Railroad!
Bapa1 Fareweather 12 days ago
Mel Schacher, good call by you.
Bapa1 15 days ago
While not a 'Rock Bassist' in a sense, Stanley Clark of Return to Forever and solo works was a great bassist. Also now that I think about it, while never seeing The Who or Cream in concert, I did see Entwistle and Bruce in two concerts with Ringo's All-starrs.
Ajarofclay Bapa1 12 days ago
If we're stepping away from Rock and into Jazz, you can also add Jaco Pastorius who did some really good stuff with Weather Report along with others and solo works.
jholton30062 Ajarofclay 10 days ago
You could include Jaco for his work with Blood Sweat & Tears.
Brad 15 days ago
The only possible answer here is John Entwistle. Listen to the extended, album version of "The Real Me", and you'll agree. Not only that, but he was almost as zany as Keith Moon when it came to pranks and silliness.
JHP Brad 10 days ago
I lub you:)
The Who is my #1 - My Generation - so so cool:)
jallen0718 16 days ago
Where’s Eddie Van Halen? 🤨
Bapa1 jallen0718 16 days ago
playing guitar? Maybe you mean Wolfie Van Halen.
dimestore 16 days ago
How does Paul win this ??? Ridiculous
jabba 17 days ago
Obviously, for raw talent combined with coolness, it's Floyd Pepper of the Electric Mayhem.
morticia77 17 days ago
Why in the world is James Jamerson not listed??? Definitely in the top 3
wolfman69 17 days ago
0%. Picked Steve Harris. Up the Irons!
MartyRay 17 days ago
James Lee Jamerson! He played bass on virtually every hit to come out of Motown. He is responsible for some of the most iconic riffs in soul music.
Jackhammer 17 days ago
Billy sheehan!!! My god how is he not on the list!!
JHP 17 days ago
Maybe I can get a few laughs and douse the fire ; how about....

wait for it
wait for it...

Buddy Hayes? :)
Jacki JHP 16 days ago
I had to "google" him. Lol 😄
JHP Jacki 16 days ago
Yeah I have to confess - I did too:):)
Jacki JHP 16 days ago
😄
Gayleistoons 17 days ago
Paul McCartney is the best nothing....weirdo
Ready2go 17 days ago
Carol Kaye or Tina Weymouth, went with Tina.
JHP Ready2go 17 days ago
Do you have Talking Heads '77 or Tom Tom Club on vinyl?
Jackhammer Ready2go 17 days ago
😂😂😂
Bapa1 JHP 15 days ago
I had the vinyl, and still have the Cds. Real good albums.
JHP Bapa1 15 days ago
great taste in music my friend:) Talking Heads - in my top 10 favs - got all their albums (my gold and they are right next to Gordon Lightfoot and Chicago:))
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?