30 Greatest Electric Bass Players Of All Time

The Premise

So I thought I’d compile a comprehensive list of the 30 most influential and greatest electric bass players of all time. It’s not a numbered list. How could it possibly be? Just enjoy and learn about some of the most incredible electric bass players that have walked the planet!

We’ll include their top recordings or compositions, a few of the artists or bands they collaborated with, their birth dates, the music styles they excelled in, reasons for their influence, and a notable quote from each.

Also check out the 30 Greatest Acoustic Bass Players Of All Time

What You’ll Discover…

In this comprehensive article, we’ll embark on a musical journey exploring the lives and legacies of some of the most influential bass guitarists in music history. From the soulful grooves of James Jamerson to the innovative techniques of Jaco Pastorius, each section delves into the unique contributions of these bass masters.

This article provides detailed profiles, including their top recordings, collaborations, birth and death dates, music styles, reasons for their influence, and notable quotes. Additionally, you’ll find a curated list of the top recordings or compositions for select bassists, offering a deeper insight into their musical prowess.

This piece is a treasure trove for music enthusiasts, bass players, and anyone interested in the evolution of music through the lens of these iconic bass guitarists.

30 Greatest Electric Bass Players Of All Time

James Jamerson

Birth/Death: 1936-01-29 / 1983-08-02
Top Recordings:

1. “My Girl” by The Temptations: A classic hit featuring Jamerson’s distinctive bass playing.
2. “I Was Made to Love Her” by Stevie Wonder: Jamerson’s bass line is a key element of this song’s rhythm and melody.
3. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye: Jamerson played on most of the album, contributing significantly to its iconic sound.
4. “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes: Another example of Jamerson’s influential bass work in Motown music.
5. “Reach Out I’ll Be There” by the Four Tops: Showcases Jamerson’s ability to create melodic and rhythmic bass lines that are integral to the song.

Collaborations: The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder
Styles: R&B, Soul, Funk
Influence: Pioneered Motown sound, innovative bass lines
Quote [on playing with old stringss and never cleaning his bass]: “The gunk makes the funk” (Ref)
Biography: James Jamerson, born in South Carolina, is revered as the backbone of the Motown sound. His uncredited work on numerous hits shaped the landscape of R&B and soul music. Jamerson’s unique playing style, characterized by complex rhythms and melodic bass lines, has influenced countless musicians. Despite his untimely death, his legacy endures through his groundbreaking contributions to music. His work on hits like “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” showcases his profound influence on R&B and soul music.

Paul McCartney

Birth: 1942-06-18
Top Recordings: “Come Together” – The Beatles, “Silly Love Songs” – Wings

Collaborations: The Beatles, Wings
Styles: Rock, Pop
Influence: Melodic bass playing, songwriting prowess
Quote: “I used to think that anyone doing anything weird was weird. I suddenly realized that anyone doing anything weird wasn’t weird at all and it was the people saying they were weird that were weird.” (Ref)
Biography: Sir Paul McCartney, a key member of The Beatles, is not just a legendary bassist but also a celebrated songwriter. His melodic approach to bass playing, often weaving it seamlessly into the fabric of the song, revolutionized the role of the bass guitar in pop and rock music. McCartney’s post-Beatles career with Wings and as a solo artist further cemented his status as a musical icon. His melodic approach to bass playing, coupled with his songwriting genius, has made him one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

Carol Kaye

Birth: 1935-03-24
Top Recordings:

• “These Boots Are Made for Walkin'” by Nancy Sinatra: Carol Kaye played electric bass on this iconic track.
• “Good Vibrations” by The Beach Boys: Kaye’s playing on this song was a key part of the arrangement.
• “Wichita Lineman” by Glen Campbell: She played the twelve-string electric guitar on this hit.
• “The Beat Goes On” by Sonny & Cher: Kaye’s memorable bass line is a standout feature of this song.
• “River Deep, Mountain High” by Ike & Tina Turner: Her solo bass line was a crucial part of the song’s “Wall of Sound” production.

Collaborations: The Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel, TV Themes
Styles: Rock, Pop, Jazz
Influence: Prolific session musician, diverse playing styles
Quote [on using a pick]: “Most people don’t know that about 98% of things cut in Hollywood in the 60s were done with a pick on flatwound strings. There are bass players who rip people to death for playing with a pick. I say, hey, they don’t know the history. Most of those records that came out in the 60s were done with a pick on flatwounds. That was the sound. There was a piece of felt muting on there, too, to kill the natural overtones and undertones that could hurt your sound. They just don’t know the history. And it’s still a good sound. If you turn the knob, you’ve got Motown on one end and Boots on the other end. You have to play it right: up on the upbeat, down on the downbeat, and play close to the neck. Never near the bridge.” (Ref)
Biography: Carol Kaye, one of the most prolific session bassists in history, has played on an estimated 10,000 recordings. She began her career as a guitar teacher and later became a renowned session musician, contributing to numerous hits in the 1960s and 1970s. Her versatility across genres, from pop and rock to jazz, has made her a revered figure in the music industry. Kaye’s contributions to iconic tracks of the 60s and 70s showcase her exceptional talent and adaptability. Her work spans a variety of genres, including rock, pop, jazz, R&B, and soul, along with The Beach Boys and on numerous film scores has cemented her status as one of the most versatile and recorded bassists ever.

Jaco Pastorius

Birth/Death: 1951-12-01 / 1987-09-21
Top Recordings:

1. “Portrait of Tracy” from the album “Jaco Pastorius” (1976): This track is renowned for its extensive use of harmonics and showcases Pastorius’ innovative bass techniques.
2. “Birdland” from the album “Heavy Weather” by Weather Report (1977): A Grammy-nominated hit featuring Pastorius’ exceptional bass playing.
3. “Come On, Come Over” from the album “Jaco Pastorius” (1976): A funk track highlighting his “movable anchor” thumb technique.
4. “The Chicken” from “The Birthday Concert” album: Known for its catchy bass line and groove.
5. “Donna Lee” from the album “Jaco Pastorius” (1976): A track that displays his incredible feel and speed on the electric bass.

Collaborations: Weather Report, Joni Mitchell
Styles: Jazz, Jazz Fusion
Influence: Innovator of fretless bass, complex harmonies
Quote: “It ain’t braggin’ if you can back it up!” (Ref)
Biography: Jaco Pastorius revolutionized the electric bass guitar with his virtuosic technique on the fretless bass. His work with Weather Report and as a solo artist displayed his innovative approach to harmony and rhythm. Pastorius’ influence extends beyond jazz, inspiring bassists across various music genres. His innovative techniques and compositions have left a lasting impact on the world of jazz fusion.

Jaco Pastorius was a member of the jazz fusion group Weather Report from 1976 to 1981 and collaborated with numerous artists, including Pat Metheny and Joni Mitchell. His style was influenced by funk and employed the use of fretless bass, lyrical solos, bass chords, and innovative use of harmonics. Pastorius is celebrated as one of the best bassists of all time and has been a significant influence in the world of jazz and electric bass performance.

Marcus Miller

Birth: 1959-06-14
Top Recordings: “Tutu” – Miles Davis, “Run for Cover”

Collaborations: Miles Davis, Luther Vandross
Styles: Jazz, Funk, R&B
Influence: Slap bass technique, multi-instrumental skills
Quote: “Music is about communication, it’s not just about notes.”
Biography: Marcus Miller, known for his soulful sound and masterful slap technique, has made significant contributions to jazz and R&B. His collaborations with Miles Davis and Luther Vandross, among others, highlight his versatility and creativity. Miller’s impact on the bass guitar is evident in his innovative approach to music production and composition. His work with Miles Davis on “Tutu” and as a session musician has showcased his versatility across genres.

Stanley Clarke

Birth: 1951-06-30
Top Recordings: “School Days,” “Lopsy Lu”

Collaborations: Return to Forever, George Duke
Styles: Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Rock
Influence: Acoustic and electric bass virtuosity
Quote: “Bass players are always the intellectual kind, but nobody knows it.” (Ref)
Biography: Stanley Clarke’s exceptional talent on both the acoustic and electric bass has made him a prominent figure in the jazz fusion genre. His work with Return to Forever and as a solo artist showcases his technical prowess and innovative approach to the bass guitar. Clarke’s influence extends to various music styles, cementing his status as a bass legend.

John Patitucci

Birth: 1959-12-22
Top Recordings: “On the Corner,” “Heart of the Bass”

Collaborations: Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter
Styles: Jazz, Fusion
Influence: Mastery of electric and acoustic bass
Quote: “The bass is the link between harmony and rhythm.”
Biography: John Patitucci, renowned for his mastery of both the electric and acoustic bass, has made significant contributions to jazz and fusion music. His work with Chick Corea and Wayne Shorter highlights his exceptional technique and musicality. Patitucci’s influence is evident in his innovative approach to bass playing and his dedication to music education.

John Entwistle

Birth/Death: 1944-10-09 / 2002-06-27
Top Recordings: “My Generation” – The Who, “Boris the Spider”

Collaborations: The Who
Styles: Rock
Influence: Aggressive playing style, pioneering use of round-wound strings
Quote: “The bass should be the engine of the band.”
Biography: John Entwistle, known as “The Ox,” was the bassist for the legendary rock band The Who. His aggressive playing style and innovative use of technology transformed the role of the bass in rock music. Entwistle’s powerful and melodic bass lines remain influential in the rock genre.

Victor Bailey

Birth/Death: 1960-03-27 / 2016-11-11
Top Recordings: “Low Blow,” “Bottoms Up”

Collaborations: Weather Report, Madonna
Styles: Jazz, Fusion, Pop
Influence: Versatile playing, smooth technique
Quote: “Music is about feeling, not just technique.”
Biography: Victor Bailey rose to prominence as the bassist for Weather Report, succeeding Jaco Pastorius. His versatility across jazz, fusion, and pop genres showcased his smooth technique and musical sensitivity. Bailey’s contributions to music extend beyond his playing, as he was also a respected educator and composer.

Victor Wooten

Birth: 1964-09-11
Top Recordings: “A Show of Hands”, “The Sinister Minister” (Béla Fleck and the Flecktones)

Collaborations: Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, SMV
Styles: Jazz, Funk, Bluegrass
Influence: Innovative techniques, solo artist
Quote: “Music is a language, and we should speak it.”
Biography: Victor Wooten, a five-time Grammy winner, is known for his innovative playing techniques. His work with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones showcases his ability to blend jazz, funk, and bluegrass into a unique sound.

Mark King

Birth: 1958-10-20
Top Recordings: “Love Games” (Level 42), “Something About You”

Collaborations: Level 42
Styles: Pop, Funk
Influence: Slap bass technique, lead vocals
Quote: “The bass is an extension of my personality.”
Biography: Mark King, the lead vocalist and bassist of Level 42, is renowned for his slap bass technique. His energetic performances and catchy pop-funk compositions have earned him a place among the greats.

Anthony Jackson

Birth: 1952-06-23
Top Recordings: “For the Love of Money” (The O’Jays), “Chameleon” (Herbie Hancock)

Collaborations: Steely Dan, Chick Corea
Styles: Jazz, R&B, Pop
Influence: 6-string contrabass guitar, session work
Quote: “The bass is about playing the right note at the right time.”
Biography: Anthony Jackson, credited with the invention of the 6-string contrabass guitar, is a prolific session musician. His work spans genres, from jazz with Herbie Hancock to R&B with The O’Jays.

Chuck Rainey

Birth: 1940-06-17
Top Recordings: “Peg” (Steely Dan), “Rock Steady” (Aretha Franklin)

Collaborations: Steely Dan, Quincy Jones
Styles: R&B, Jazz, Pop
Influence: Session musician, groove-oriented playing
Quote: “Feel is everything in music, especially on the bass.”
Biography: Chuck Rainey’s groove-oriented playing has made him a sought-after session musician. His work with Steely Dan and Aretha Franklin highlights his ability to adapt to various musical styles.

Rocco Prestia

Birth/Death: 1951-03-07 / 2020-09-29
Top Recordings: “What Is Hip?” (Tower of Power), “Soul Vaccination”

Collaborations: Tower of Power
Styles: Funk, Soul
Influence: Fingerstyle funk, percussive playing
Quote: “The bass is about groove and soul, not just notes.”
Biography: Rocco Prestia, the bassist for Tower of Power, was known for his percussive fingerstyle funk. His innovative approach to the bass guitar helped define the sound of funk and soul in the 1970s.

Billy Sheehan

Birth: 1953-03-19
Top Recordings: “Shy Boy” (David Lee Roth), “Addicted to That Rush” (Mr. Big)

Collaborations: David Lee Roth, Mr. Big
Styles: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Influence: High-speed playing, soloing
Quote: “Playing bass is about making the song better, not just showing off.”
Biography: Billy Sheehan, known for his work with David Lee Roth and Mr. Big, is celebrated for his high-speed playing and soloing abilities. His aggressive style and technical prowess have influenced many rock and metal bassists.

Will Lee

Birth: 1952-09-08
Top Recordings: “Late Night with David Letterman” band, “Hiram Bullock”

Collaborations: The Fab Faux, B.B. King
Styles: Rock, Pop, Jazz
Influence: Versatile session work, live performances
Quote: “The role of the bass is to make everyone else sound good.”
Biography: Will Lee, widely known for his work on “Late Night with David Letterman,” is a versatile session bassist. His ability to adapt to various musical styles has made him a favorite among many artists.

Nathan East

Birth: 1955-12-08
Top Recordings: “Change the World” (Eric Clapton), “Easy Lover” (Phil Collins)

Collaborations: Eric Clapton, Phil Collins
Styles: Pop, R&B, Jazz
Influence: Smooth playing style, backing vocals
Quote: “The bass should feel good and sound good.”
Biography: Nathan East is renowned for his smooth playing style and backing vocals. His collaborations with Eric Clapton and Phil Collins showcase his ability to blend seamlessly into various musical contexts.

Paul Jackson

Birth/Death: 1947-03-28 / 2021-03-18
Top Recordings: “Chameleon” (Herbie Hancock), “Actual Proof”

Collaborations: Herbie Hancock, The Headhunters
Styles: Jazz, Funk
Influence: Funky bass lines, jazz-fusion
Quote: “Funk is about timing and feel, and that’s what I bring on the bass.”
Biography: Paul Jackson, a key member of Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters, was known for his funky bass lines. His work on tracks like “Chameleon” has been influential in the development of jazz-fusion.

Richard Bona

Birth: 1967-10-28
Top Recordings: “Reverence”, “Tiki”

Collaborations: Pat Metheny, Joe Zawinul
Styles: Jazz, Afro-Cuban, Fusion
Influence: Multicultural influences, virtuosity
Quote: “Music is the true universal human speech.”
Biography: Richard Bona’s music is a blend of his African heritage with jazz and fusion elements. His virtuosity and multicultural influences have made him a unique voice in the world of bass.

Leland Sklar

Birth: 1947-05-28
Top Recordings: “You’ve Got a Friend” (James Taylor), “Doctor My Eyes” (Jackson Browne)

Collaborations: James Taylor, Phil Collins
Styles: Rock, Pop
Influence: Session work, distinctive sound
Quote: “Once I graduated that’s when I grew my ‘infamous’ beard. I trim it every once in awhile but that’s about it.”(Ref)
Biography: Leland Sklar, with his distinctive long beard and exceptional bass skills, is a legend in the session world. His work with James Taylor and Phil Collins showcases his ability to provide a solid foundation in various musical settings.

Pino Palladino

Birth: 1957-10-17
Top Recordings: “Wherever I Lay My Hat” (Paul Young), “Voodoo” (D’Angelo)

Collaborations: The Who, John Mayer
Styles: R&B, Rock, Soul
Influence: Fretless bass, diverse genres
Quote: “All musicians are the same, we all think we’re rubbish” (Ref)
Biography: Pino Palladino, known for his fretless bass work, has played with a wide array of artists, from The Who to D’Angelo. His ability to adapt his playing to different genres has made him one of the most respected bassists in the industry.

Les Claypool

Birth: 1963-09-29
Top Recordings: “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” (Primus), “Tommy the Cat”

Collaborations: Primus, Oysterhead
Styles: Alternative Rock, Funk Metal
Influence: Unique slap style, eccentric performances
Quote: “When you find something you’re passionate about, don’t let anyone or anything stop you from pursuing it”​​. (Ref)
Biography: Les Claypool, the frontman of Primus, is known for his unique slap bass style and eccentric stage performances. His innovative approach to the bass guitar has influenced many alternative and funk metal musicians.

Bootsy Collins

Birth: 1951-10-26
Top Recordings: “Stretchin’ Out” (Bootsy’s Rubber Band), “Give Up the Funk” (Parliament-Funkadelic)

Collaborations: James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic
Styles: Funk, Soul
Influence: Funk bass pioneer, stage persona
Quote: He shared his life philosophy, “Life is too short to be anything but funky,” encouraging individuals to live authentically and joyfully​​. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of risk-taking in art, “Don’t be afraid to take risks and push the boundaries of your art. That’s how you find your own sound”​​.(ref)
Biography: Bootsy Collins, with his star-shaped glasses and flamboyant persona, is a funk icon. His work with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic has left an indelible mark on the world of funk music.

Louis Johnson

Birth/Death: 1955-04-13 / 2015-05-21
Top Recordings: “Get on the Floor” (Michael Jackson), “Stomp!” (The Brothers Johnson)

Collaborations: Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones
Styles: Funk, R&B
Influence: Slap bass technique, groove
Quote: “All bass players do this lick – the only difference is, they can’t do it this fast” (Ref)
Biography: Louis Johnson, one-half of The Brothers Johnson, was known for his mastery of the slap bass technique. His work on Michael Jackson’s albums, particularly “Off the Wall,” showcases his ability to create irresistible grooves.

Sting

Birth: 1951-10-02
Top Recordings: “Roxanne” (The Police), “Fields of Gold”

Collaborations: The Police, solo career
Styles: Rock, Pop, Jazz
Influence: Songwriting, bass as a lead instrument
Quote: On Singing and Playing Bass Simultaneously: Sting describes the challenge and skill involved in simultaneously playing the bass and singing. He notes that it’s like using two sides of your brain and involves extensive practice to master this skill. This ability sets him apart as a musician and is something he takes pride in​​. (Ref)
Biography: Sting, the lead singer and bassist of The Police, is known for his melodic bass lines and exceptional songwriting. His solo career further showcases his versatility and influence across multiple genres.

John Paul Jones

Birth: 1946-01-03
Top Recordings: “Dazed and Confused” (Led Zeppelin), “Ramble On”

Collaborations: Led Zeppelin, Them Crooked Vultures
Styles: Rock, Hard Rock
Influence: Musical arrangements, multi-instrumentalism
Quote: “My musical background is very eclectic. I like classical music, jazz, blues, rock, and all kinds of music.” (Ref)
Biography: John Paul Jones, the bassist of Led Zeppelin, is celebrated for his musical arrangements and multi-instrumental talents. His work in one of the greatest rock bands of all time has influenced countless musicians.

Flea

Birth: 1962-10-16
Top Recordings: “Under the Bridge” (Red Hot Chili Peppers), “Give It Away”

Collaborations: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane’s Addiction
Styles: Funk Rock, Alternative Rock
Influence: Energetic slap style, stage presence
Quote: “Being a rock star isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, let me tell you.” And this quote too “Kids deserve arts, and it’s just as important as science, math, history, English or athletics.” (Ref)
Biography: Flea, the bassist of Red Hot Chili Peppers, is known for his energetic slap bass style and dynamic stage presence. His approach to the bass has been a key element in the band’s distinctive sound.

Verdine White

Birth: 1951-07-25
Top Recordings: “September” (Earth, Wind & Fire), “Let’s Groove”

Collaborations: Earth, Wind & Fire
Styles: Funk, R&B
Influence: Energetic performances, groove
Quote [On how did you handle the success?]: “It was happening so fast and we [Earth, Wind & Fire] were doing so much music, that I was just basically concentrating on the music. And don’t forget now, it was volumes and volumes of music. So I was just always making sure I came prepared, always worked on my parts. Even on days when I wasn’t in the studio playing, I’d be there just learning. And it was a great learning process. I learned by watching how Maurice produced records, and I would help out– putting the music on the stand, going to get coffee, all that stuff– whatever I could do back in those days.” (Ref)
Biography: Verdine White, the bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire, is known for his energetic performances and groovy bass lines. His contribution to the band’s success is evident in their timeless hits.

Donald “Duck” Dunn

Birth/Death: 1941-11-24 / 2012-05-13
Top Recordings: “Soul Man” (Sam & Dave), “Respect” (Aretha Franklin)

Collaborations: Booker T. & the M.G.’s, The Blues Brothers
Styles: Soul, R&B
Influence: Memphis soul sound, session work
Quote: “I’m the middle man. I try to keep people happy. I go out of my way to get a smile. That’s the way my mother raised me.” (Ref)
Biography: Donald “Duck” Dunn, a member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, was a key figure in the Memphis soul sound. His work as a session bassist at Stax Records contributed to some of the most iconic soul tracks of the 1960s.

Larry Graham

Birth/Death: 1946-08-14 / –
Top Recordings: “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)” (Sly and the Family Stone), “One in a Million You”

Collaborations: Sly and the Family Stone, Graham Central Station
Styles: Funk, Soul
Influence: Inventor of slap bass technique, funk pioneer
Quote: “When I hear other bass players playing like me,” says Larry Graham—the funk god who invented and popularized the electric-bass slapping-and-popping technique with Sly and the Family Stone in the late 1960s—“I just think, ‘There’s another one of my children!’” (Ref)
Biography: Larry Graham revolutionized bass playing by inventing the slap bass technique, profoundly influencing funk and R&B music. His work with Sly and the Family Stone and later with his own group, Graham Central Station, showcased his innovative style and solidified his status as a funk legend.

Conclusion

This concludes our list of the comprehensive profiles of the 30 greatest electric bass players in history Remember, that every musician will have their own idea of what is “best”. (Personally, I think there is no best). Each musician will influence other musicians in a variety of ways. But, seriously, check out all of these bass players. They are absolute mofos! 🙂 *

Each of these musicians has uniquely contributed to the evolution of bass playing, leaving a lasting impact on various music genres. Their innovative techniques, memorable recordings, and profound musical philosophies continue to inspire bass players and music enthusiasts worldwide.

Start your bass journey here at Bassic Training.

* Just FYI- In the jazz / muso world, that’s the highest honour! 🙂