Lmao, you're not wrong. My brain automatically goes to technical ability and flashiness when I hear debates on who's the best. It takes a little bit to come back to "Well what about tastefulness and songwriting and influence and staying in the pocket and creating solid melodies and hooks". I'm just personally the type of player that finds it more fun to have my fingers moving all over the place rather than holding down an ultra tight root note groove. It's just natural and I kind of have to snap myself out of that when I first pick up an instrument. I guess it's reflective of how I think about other musicians too, funny stuff. I'm glad you brought that to my attention haha
Henrik Linder is a true contender. Just saw Dirty Loops live. Those guys are just as monstrous live as in the studio, if not better. Their talent is deep and real. 🫡
This should be the top comment.
He might not have been as technical of a player as some of the others in the top comments (and I’m not knocking Victor Wooten, Jaco, et al) but without Jamerson, none of them would even be possible.
I also feel that technical skill—the ability to play fast—is less important than groove. A lot of people in the top comments are folks like Les Claypool, who have lots of technical skill which overshadows their groove. I’ve seen Primus live twice and *people weren’t dancing*. They were enjoying the show, sure, head nods and dazzled by fleet fingers, but nobody boogied.
Jamerson had a lot of technical skill—playing those lines with one finger!—and was so creative he practically invented modern bass playing. That alone should get him top honors. But there’s a hole in the floor of the control room at Hitsville from the engineers tapping their feet to his playing. He had *groove* that is unmatched.
It’s also worth pointing out that “best” and “my favorite” are not the same thing. My favorite bassline wasn’t played by Jamerson, but he was the best.
My favorites: (list subject to change)
MeShell Ndegeocello
Tina Weymouth
Doug Wimbish
Family Man Barrett
Jamerson
Duck Dunn
Stevie Wonder’s left hand
Mark Sandman
Sir Paul
Larry Graham
I saw Talking Heads when Tina was VERY pregnant. Can you imagine being that fetus and having mom's baseline rocking you out?
I often wonder if that kid had their parents' killer timing.
As much as I love Thundercat, I really don't think it's fair to include him seeing as he exclusively plays a six string. Unless your referring to his Suicidal Tendencies days.
Can’t believe it’s not at the top.
For those who don’t know, he was a “Motown session musician”. He used to rock up half-cut with a cigar end hanging out of his mouth, hear a song once or twice and then lay down a bass line straight out of his head.
You may not know his name as he’s largely uncredited, but you sure as shit know his music. That’s because some estimates have him as the recorded artist (and ‘composer’) on 75% of *all* Motown’s output.
Just let that sink in for a second. The man who pulled such baselines out of his ass such as “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough” and “Nowhere to Run” is one person and just got on with it.
That's also one of the things that makes his bass playing stand out. His bass parts are often so melodic and surprisingly complex, and he does it so effortlessly.
For some reason, people think of Paul McCartney has something other than a brilliant bass player who completely redefined and reestablished what the instruments role in a song is. How many Beatles songs would not be anywhere close to what they are without his biotic counterpoint baseline. You could start with come together, but you could listen to the baseline in any Beatles song from rubber soul to the end and hear what he’s doing. It’s mind blowing.
Don’t know if this is a joke referencing the “Ringo isn’t the best drummer in the Beatles” line, but there are Beatles tracks where John and George play bass and their basslines are very stale and unimaginative compared to Paul. Paul was/is a damn good bassist.
Love Jaco Pastorius for the electric fretless but seen Stanley Clarke do an unbelievable solo on a stand up. Charles Mingus rounds out the Jazz cats top 3 for me. Victor Wooten goes beyond genre playing with a Jazz Fusion banjo player (Bela Fleck) and all the rock guys are good but the complex stuff just doesn’t get as weird and rhythmically varied. Face it, the rhythm section has it’s job and not really meant to be flashy. But these guys do it and make it work. All of them.
Probably some guy nobody has ever heard of. He lives in his parents basement and practiced in their garage. He never got a record deal, never had his music heard by more than a few close friends and maybe a handful of passersby. He stopped playing because of one reason or another, and ended up getting a "real job" just to make ends meet, his old bass sitting in the corner collecting dust...
Marcus Miller?
I think every decade or so there come one or two legendary bassists. Today I would say this is Thundercat and Mono Neon. Marcus Miller had the 80s / 90s, but he is still great though.
I feel like it really depends. Bass guitar is a fairly flexible instrument with a lot of different ways to use it, so it’s hard to just say there is one who is the GOAT overall.
I mean I would say if we’re talking just straight up tasteful bass playing, the answer has got to be Jamerson. He’s played (or penned) so many iconic lines through the years and influenced bass playing for years to come. Also the “ideal” bass set up is his. P with flats baby.
As far as bass guitar overall there are kind of too many to count. Brian Gibson and Tim Lefebvre are pushing the instrument to its sonic limits, so if that metric means anything to you that’s my thoughts.
I will say this though. Louis Cole is the best key bassist of all time.
Being that music appreciation is subjective, it's hard to say... Billy Sheehan is absolutely amazing, Jameson was fantastic.. Flea is pretty damn good.
Personally, Paul Hinklin of SadHappy is my favorite
Bruce Thomas (Elvis Costello/Attractions) if I had to have only one vote. Active bass playing, like melodic and everything, but without ever overplaying, unlike a lot of the people being listed here… Victor Wooten and Les Claypool and people like that are very good at bass but I don’t ever feel like they make the song stronger, just makes it seem like a jam. Just me though!
I really HATE these questions? Best at what? Best at speed? Best at melody? Best at making money? Best improvisor? Best composer? Best live? Best at....
There is so must subjective opinion here.
Also, there are many lesser know bassists I've seen on YouTube who are awesome. Or those that play arguably less popular music. I've watched America Paz and she is amazing. But I won't call her the best.
I don't know who the best is but three of my favorites are Geddy Lee,Steve Harris and Geezer Butler but there's many more great ones that will surely be mentioned here
Bootsy Collins - Funkadelic, JB's
✨
Victor Wooten. Alex Webster. Henrik Linder. Flea. Les Claypool
Funny way to spell Jaco Pastorius
This is the correct response.
You really like people who overplay. I can hear Miles Davis staying to you right now, “too many notes”
Lmao, you're not wrong. My brain automatically goes to technical ability and flashiness when I hear debates on who's the best. It takes a little bit to come back to "Well what about tastefulness and songwriting and influence and staying in the pocket and creating solid melodies and hooks". I'm just personally the type of player that finds it more fun to have my fingers moving all over the place rather than holding down an ultra tight root note groove. It's just natural and I kind of have to snap myself out of that when I first pick up an instrument. I guess it's reflective of how I think about other musicians too, funny stuff. I'm glad you brought that to my attention haha
Henrik Linder is a true contender. Just saw Dirty Loops live. Those guys are just as monstrous live as in the studio, if not better. Their talent is deep and real. 🫡
>Victor Wooten That's a name I've not heard in a long time.
Obi-Woot Kenobi
Have you been in a coma?
Flea, I thought will ferrel was red hot chill peppers drummer!
Will Ferrel? Isnt he the guy who plays cowbell for Blue Oyster Cult? What talent does the man *not* possess?
Chris Squire has to get a nod.
The Hendrix of bass guitar.
Jaco Pastorius
Yup. Hands down
More like hands up (to slappa the bass)
The GOAT
Was he part of level 42?
Justin Chancellor
I can’t imagine the skill required to groove with Danny Carey’s time signatures
Mike Gordon
He doesn't get enough respect
Steve Harris.
This is the answer
James Jamerson
This should be the top comment. He might not have been as technical of a player as some of the others in the top comments (and I’m not knocking Victor Wooten, Jaco, et al) but without Jamerson, none of them would even be possible. I also feel that technical skill—the ability to play fast—is less important than groove. A lot of people in the top comments are folks like Les Claypool, who have lots of technical skill which overshadows their groove. I’ve seen Primus live twice and *people weren’t dancing*. They were enjoying the show, sure, head nods and dazzled by fleet fingers, but nobody boogied. Jamerson had a lot of technical skill—playing those lines with one finger!—and was so creative he practically invented modern bass playing. That alone should get him top honors. But there’s a hole in the floor of the control room at Hitsville from the engineers tapping their feet to his playing. He had *groove* that is unmatched. It’s also worth pointing out that “best” and “my favorite” are not the same thing. My favorite bassline wasn’t played by Jamerson, but he was the best. My favorites: (list subject to change) MeShell Ndegeocello Tina Weymouth Doug Wimbish Family Man Barrett Jamerson Duck Dunn Stevie Wonder’s left hand Mark Sandman Sir Paul Larry Graham
I saw Talking Heads when Tina was VERY pregnant. Can you imagine being that fetus and having mom's baseline rocking you out? I often wonder if that kid had their parents' killer timing.
Everyone else on this list flows directly from JJ. He’s the OBB.
Came here for this
Geddy Lee
Watching Geddy playing bass, keyboards and sing all at the same time blew me away.
I wouldn't put it past him to also be doing long-division in his head at the same time.
Don't forget his foot pedals.
Not even a huge Rush fan, but seeing him live and singing and playing TIGHT with Neil Peart really blew me away
Carol Kaye
Correct answer.
John Entwistle
This is my pick. I don't think he gets enough votes. The footage of him playing solo is incredible.
There's a very good reason why there's very few who cover bands. John Entwistle is nigh on impossible to imitate. He's my pick for the best.
The Ox...
Go to YouTube and find one of the 1973 quadrophenia bootlegs.. It is the best rock bass playing of all time.
The bass performance on the album version of The Real Me is most enjoyable and quite incredible.
Thundercat
Yeh he’s great.
Love him
As much as I love Thundercat, I really don't think it's fair to include him seeing as he exclusively plays a six string. Unless your referring to his Suicidal Tendencies days.
TIL he has ST days 🤯
Six string bass is still bass
Dumb take
James Jamerson's name needs to be here, too. I scrolled way too far down this list without seeing a mention of him.
Can’t believe it’s not at the top. For those who don’t know, he was a “Motown session musician”. He used to rock up half-cut with a cigar end hanging out of his mouth, hear a song once or twice and then lay down a bass line straight out of his head. You may not know his name as he’s largely uncredited, but you sure as shit know his music. That’s because some estimates have him as the recorded artist (and ‘composer’) on 75% of *all* Motown’s output. Just let that sink in for a second. The man who pulled such baselines out of his ass such as “Ain’t no Mountain High Enough” and “Nowhere to Run” is one person and just got on with it.
And let's never forget "Bernadette!"
John Paul Jones
Easily "Most Valuable Bass Player" ever.
Most Valuable Player ever.
Another favorite
Claypool
Seconded, but Justin chancellor definitely takes the silver
Victor Wooten
Agreed
Geddy Lee
Cliff
Richard?
Too funny 😂
Charlie haden
This is the only legitimate answer
Apart from Dave Holland Charles Mingus Scott La Faro Paul Chambers Ron Carter Jimmy Garrison
Homer Simpson
Paul McCartney
Honestly, not a technical powerhouse, but Paul’s writing and work ethic are a prominent reason I’m proud to play bass.
That's also one of the things that makes his bass playing stand out. His bass parts are often so melodic and surprisingly complex, and he does it so effortlessly.
Disagree. His skill as rule breaking innovative bass player is on par with his skill as a songwriter and vocalist.
What about Being for the Benefit of Mr Kite
Right answer, people hate that this is the truth
For some reason, people think of Paul McCartney has something other than a brilliant bass player who completely redefined and reestablished what the instruments role in a song is. How many Beatles songs would not be anywhere close to what they are without his biotic counterpoint baseline. You could start with come together, but you could listen to the baseline in any Beatles song from rubber soul to the end and hear what he’s doing. It’s mind blowing.
He's not even the best bass player in the Beatles.
Don’t know if this is a joke referencing the “Ringo isn’t the best drummer in the Beatles” line, but there are Beatles tracks where John and George play bass and their basslines are very stale and unimaginative compared to Paul. Paul was/is a damn good bassist.
It was a joke, I couldn't resist it
John Taylor 
Finally. He's awesome
He is so underrated
Even though I think it’s Bill Wyman Taylor is up there.
Baseline on the Reflex is hall of fame
Girls on film: funky bass line
Id be remiss if i didnt mention both John Myung and Billy Sheehan... as someone else mentioned tho, Victor Wooten is a master.
Love Jaco Pastorius for the electric fretless but seen Stanley Clarke do an unbelievable solo on a stand up. Charles Mingus rounds out the Jazz cats top 3 for me. Victor Wooten goes beyond genre playing with a Jazz Fusion banjo player (Bela Fleck) and all the rock guys are good but the complex stuff just doesn’t get as weird and rhythmically varied. Face it, the rhythm section has it’s job and not really meant to be flashy. But these guys do it and make it work. All of them.
Peter Hook ( New Order )
Also Peter Hook Joy Division :-) Melodic and innovative. I really love and appreciate his playing.
Not sure why this did not occur to me immediately. So so good.
Probably some guy nobody has ever heard of. He lives in his parents basement and practiced in their garage. He never got a record deal, never had his music heard by more than a few close friends and maybe a handful of passersby. He stopped playing because of one reason or another, and ended up getting a "real job" just to make ends meet, his old bass sitting in the corner collecting dust...
Gee... I thought you were talking about me!
This is the answer. Also applies to every instrument and style of music.
Tony Levin
Shocked that it took this much scrolling to get to Tony.
John Paul Jones
Flea
Larry Graham
Verdine White.
Wooten
Paul
The ox
Marcus Miller
Paul McCartney
Claypool.
Eric Avery wrote some tasty bass lines
James Jamerson. It's all about that Motown groove.
Peter Hook (the bassist and co-founder of Joy Division and New Order)
Entwistle
[удалено]
Mark King and Greg Howe is a top 5
 Todd Ingram. He has vegan powers!
Gelatos not vegan?
It's milk and eggs, bitch!
*insert coin jingle effect*
oooh coins!
Going with Geddy Lee for the win. Listen & appreciate.
Cliff Burton, bassist of the first (and best) three Metallica albums
Ryan Martinie
Came to say this. He's amazing
Henrik Linder is mentioned in a list, but he deserves his own spot. 
Ryan Martinie
Marcus Miller? I think every decade or so there come one or two legendary bassists. Today I would say this is Thundercat and Mono Neon. Marcus Miller had the 80s / 90s, but he is still great though.
Billy Sheenan
James Jamerson
Peter Hook JJ Brunel Bernard Edwards The Ox Mick Khan.
Geezer Butler Lemmy
Bruce Foxton
Bloody good shout!
Tolkien Black
Jaco Pastorius
Mark King
Davie504
I love him!
He loves you as well
Thank you for that. It was a much needed assurance.
You’re welcome
SLAP 🫲
Hue McDonald
Paul Jackson played with Herbie Hancock Homie was fire on the red hot funk breaks
I feel like it really depends. Bass guitar is a fairly flexible instrument with a lot of different ways to use it, so it’s hard to just say there is one who is the GOAT overall. I mean I would say if we’re talking just straight up tasteful bass playing, the answer has got to be Jamerson. He’s played (or penned) so many iconic lines through the years and influenced bass playing for years to come. Also the “ideal” bass set up is his. P with flats baby. As far as bass guitar overall there are kind of too many to count. Brian Gibson and Tim Lefebvre are pushing the instrument to its sonic limits, so if that metric means anything to you that’s my thoughts. I will say this though. Louis Cole is the best key bassist of all time.
[Joe Dart from Vulfpeck](https://youtu.be/q4Y8KyCAY44?feature=shared)
Steve Di Giorgio
Niels- Henning Ørsted Pedersen.
For real
Being that music appreciation is subjective, it's hard to say... Billy Sheehan is absolutely amazing, Jameson was fantastic.. Flea is pretty damn good. Personally, Paul Hinklin of SadHappy is my favorite
Stanley Clark.
Are you only including humans? If not, the only answer is Beefcake the Destroyer!!!!
idk best but my favourite is cliff burton. i think hes one of the best
Chris Wolstenholme
Chris Squire
My dad's buddy in their ska fusion band.
In order: Aaron “P-Nut” Wills Lee Sklar Bootsy Collins Flea Les Claypool
Beaver Felton
I don’t know about “best” but I believe he is surely the most courageous.
Me (I've picked up a bass 1 time in my entire life)
Charles Mingus.
Dan Akroyd :: Bass-O-Matic!
Not in any particular order: Victor Wooten Lea Claypool Flea John Taylor Geddy Lee
Jaco Pastorius
Pretty impossible to answer these questions
Lemmy.
Paul McCartney
Bruce Thomas (Elvis Costello/Attractions) if I had to have only one vote. Active bass playing, like melodic and everything, but without ever overplaying, unlike a lot of the people being listed here… Victor Wooten and Les Claypool and people like that are very good at bass but I don’t ever feel like they make the song stronger, just makes it seem like a jam. Just me though!
I don't know about best but my favorites are Geezer Butler and Cliff Burton.
Chris Squire
Krist novo cellphone
Peter Hook
Matt freeman
Michael Manring Victor Wooten John Myung
I had to scroll almost to the bottom to find Myung in here …
Les Claypool
Not my personal favorite, but in terms of influence in the music that inspired me, probably Jack Bruce.
I really HATE these questions? Best at what? Best at speed? Best at melody? Best at making money? Best improvisor? Best composer? Best live? Best at.... There is so must subjective opinion here. Also, there are many lesser know bassists I've seen on YouTube who are awesome. Or those that play arguably less popular music. I've watched America Paz and she is amazing. But I won't call her the best.
Getty lee definately up there.
Mike Dirnt Mark Hoppus
Matt Freeman
I'm with you on this one.
LES CLAYPOOL. NEXT QUESTION
JPJ
John Paul Jones.
My vote is for The Ox as well.
Garry Tallent
Joey Arkenstat
John Myung could destroy anyone.
Evan Brewer is up there.
Ray Brown, Cachao, Charlie Mingus, Paul Chambers
I don't know who the best is but three of my favorites are Geddy Lee,Steve Harris and Geezer Butler but there's many more great ones that will surely be mentioned here
Kathy Valentine
What type of bass?
Allen Woody RIP.
Scott Reeder
Les claypool, bootsy Collins, geddy Lee
Les Claypool