I find it sad that Geddy Lee from the band Rush wasn't mentioned. Geddy Lee is a tremendous electric bass player, not to mention that he is also the main vocalist of the band Rush, and he is also a synthesis. Geddy Lee does the Vocals, plays Electric Bass Guitar, and plays Synthesizers. And he performs all those three in one on stage. No insult intended here, but all those electric bass players you mentioned don't do what Geddy Lee does.
Same goes for maaaaany many rock and metal bassists. John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin, John Entwistle from The Who, Cliff Burton from Metallica, Geezer Butler from Black Sabbath, Chris Squire from Yes....
@@shnrrr I agree wholeheartedly. Popular music wouldn't be the same without his influence. And most who have been inflenced by him, are not even aware of it.
Wonderful player but not quite as good as the guys on this list. I think that there’s only a handful of omissions really that fit this list’s criteria.
@@OlandoMcCallI love drumming and drummers, but generally hate drum solos, because they tend to be all about speed and technique and nothing to do with what really matters; rhythym, groove and swing. Great drumming should make you want to dance. And it's pretty much the same for bass. Great bass playing should move you emotionally and make you want to move physically. All that high end noodling is just the bass version of the drum solo; brilliant technique with no soul - and very dull.
All very technically brilliant players but give me James Jamerson, Carol Kaye, McCartney, Duck Dunn, Tony Leven etc. any day. Melody and playing to the song.
Okay, all 25 of these bass players are extraordinary but in essence, they basically all fit into the Fusion genre! In my opinion, the absolute finest all round bassist/vocalist/harmonica player/Moog Taurus player/composer is without any doubt, Mr Christopher Squire who has the unbelievable ability of playing ludicrously complex basslines whilst singing counterpoint and playing the moog pedals. His achievements with YES were sublime and he definitely should've been placed in the list!!! XXX
Then Geddy Lee also. Wouldn't you say? Plus he loves Chris Squire. I don't think he played harmonica though. At least it isn't on any recording I've heard. Cheers
@@stevenperren1678 Typically stupid remark where you've used the expression Harp instead of Harmonica! A Harp is a various sized stringed instrument with multiple length strings and is plucked with both hands!!!
Pretty much all these showed a great ability to noodle but for me not really that musical. I do know that for example Jeff Berlin is a great bass player - check out Jack Songs. But there are tons of guys who aren’t known for their ability to noodle but rather just lay down a groove that is the basis for wonderful compositions. Roger Glover, Andy Fraser, John Paul Jones, Jean-Jacques Burnel, John Entwhistle, Geddy Lee, John Deacon, Greg Lake, John Wetton, Trevor Boulder, Graham Mabe would be on my list
All of the bass players that you have mentioned are ROCK bass players, and to say the least they (other than John Entwistle) really don't belong on this list.
We Dutch are honoured to have Henrik Linder as one of the best bassplayers. Unfortunately he is from Sweden...😢 By the way, are all these guys and galls selected, because they break speed records? I know, I know, it's hard to compare people. Thanks for the video though.
Ok…. Jack Casady Sting Jack Bruce Paul McCartney Michael Anthony Ron Carter Tony Levin John Entwistle Flea Chris Squire Rhonda Smith John Paul Jones And a whole list of others who are more than outstanding players in a bunch of music categories.
This entire list is jazz and fusion players. If you're going that route, please change your title. Also the fact that there was no mention of Oteil Burbridge, Thundercat, Tom Jenkinson or Stuart Zender leads me to question your jazz palette altogether.
Precisely - I listened to the entire 25 and the selected clips in most cases showed the bassists doing pretty much exactly the same thing and tonally there was again little difference because of the jazz/fusion parameters. Now if he'd like to try a "25 bass players with the most distinctive sound" it'd be more interesting.
Seems all those you picked are of the same ilk. How about all the bass players who actually created bass lines to enhance the songs their bands wrote. Chris Squire-YES , Geddy Lee- RUSH , John Myung - Dream Theater, John Paul Jones-LZ, Paul McCartney. I found the clips to be incredibly boring- bass guitar solos are useless- technically amazing but without music to what end.
Good thing you mentioned that there's no particular order below spot 4. Gary Willis should have to be closer to Jaco for what he does with the fretless bass, imo. Jimmy Haslip as well. I'm a fretless fan, can't help it :)
Chris Squire from YES must be on the list. His sound, virtuosity, approach and technique was unique. Nobody sounds like him. By the way, IMO some of the other choices can actually be almost interchangeable and I am more of a jazz, fusion jazz guy. But appreciate your list, especially exposing some, less known players. Thanks
Where's Geddy Lee from the band Rush? He's also an Electric Bass Guitar player, and also the lead vocalist of the band Rush, and also plays Synthesizers. And Geddy Lee can perform all those 3 in 1 on stage live.
I won’t quibble with your choices because all deserve to be here. This video is entirely about bass solo chops, a small portion of what bass players do. Most of these guys are also monsters at accompanying their bands which is a much greater portion of the bassist’s role and far more important in total than the flash solos featured here. I started playing bass in 1966 and learned quickly to appreciate the journeyman players above the “dig me” novelty stuff.
People always get attacked on these lists. It's not my list but if you are leaning heavily on Jazz then it is a serviceable list. It is your list and I do like and respect the fact that there are not a lot of STARS on it. I think those who move the ball forward like Chris Squire, James Jamerson, Bootsy Collins, John Lodge, etc. should be considered but that would be on my list. I've seen several of your choices live and they were great. Cheers and be blessed.
If you would call this list the best 25 jazz electric bass players I’m cool with that, but calling this list the best 25 electric bass players is just being a jazz snob and also a bit ignorant….
@@fivestring65ify I think bass solos are boring beyond description. The players should serve the music, not the other way around. My favourite recordings of Jaco Pastorius are with Joni Mitchell.
Thank you very much for your video! It has been a reel pleasure listening all these great Masters of the Bass guitar. And as we know, there are always people missing in that kind of list. For instance the great French Bass player Dominique Di Piazza (1992 - Que Alegria tour - John McLaughlin Trio). I think that I won't be wrong saying that I've never seen anyone using the four-finger picking technique before Dominique. In fact in France We know that the very humble Dominique has paved the way for Hadrien Feraud. The choice of Tal Wilkenfeld is excellent, her playing is not just about speed, she masterdly brings soul to the Bass. And I will end by saying a great Thank to the Masters Jaco and Stanley for having paved all the way for the younger generation of Bass guitar players. Michel from Grenoble, France.
Quite a comprehensive list of Bass 'technicians'. 👍🏿 Any list that has my Electric Bass G.O.A.T Anthony Jackson, Jaco, Marcus Miller, Richard Bona, Bakithi Kumalo is good enough for me. However, Jamerson being THE #1 influence of all the people on that list, has to be on any Best Electric Bass Guitarist's list 😎 PS: Hendrik Linder is Swedish not Dutch if I'm not mistaken.
Such a graceful way to present our community's masters... Thank you! Just one observation as personal opinion: Mr. James Jamerson should have a place in Top 3...
Good list. For me, Stanley Clarke is my all-time hall of famer on bass. Another bassist you didn’t mention, who I believe is worth mentioning, is Anthony Crawford. Check out his work with drummer Virgil Donati, mainly his tour videos. Phenom! And I’d like to add one more, Dutch player Frans Vollink.
Great list! Stanley and Jaco top honors, Mark King in top 10 at least. Sting, Paul McCartney, Pino Palladino and Duck Dunn for holding down the fort. John Entwistle, Chris Squire, Geddy Lee... and Lemmy Kilmister - just because he's Lemmy Kilmister!
It's a dang physical instrument. Those people all look muscular and fit, even more than most drummers. For this type of player, I like George Anderson Junior, from Shakatak. I know this isn't a list of rock stars, but Boz Burrell from Bad Company and King Crimson is one I'd mention. He learned bass in his 20s in King Crimson, and went on to become industry-standard, excelling on fretless bass.
Very informative list. I’m happy that you included Michael Manring who created a new language for his instrument playing solo. I like to say: “Paganini, Bottesini, Hendrix, Manring”. I first saw him playing opening solo for my youth idol (specially on Upright Bass my main ax at the time) Stanley Clarke on the worldwide tour with Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten. Sitting next to me there was another Bass player that I just met and before the concert we asked ourselves that after hearing these three icons of Electric Bass what could possibly be the future? After hearing Michael playing by himself I saw the future! It’s no wonder that the Master Bass Player, Teacher and Wise Man of Victor Wooten’s amazing book “The Music Lesson” is named Michael. 😊🎶
Good list top 5 fairly accurate even if other genres of music is added. The rest or at least from 11 going could be swapped with another 15 and still be fantastic.
@@scottmcgill559 Is this the Scott McGill from Finneus Gauge? FG was an amazing group of musicians with unfortunately very few yet poorly recorded videos, I wish there were better ones cuz Scott’s playing is as good as the world’s best players!!
@@sheldoninst it is and thank you so much for the kind words. Finneus Gauge was a great band and unfortunately the band was not well documented outside of the two discs we did. I appreciate your kind words and thank you very much. All the work I did with Michael Manring I cherish. Let's stay in touch and my best Sheldon!
From Brazil: Nico Assumpção (asco upright bass) From Brazil: Michael Pipoquinha From Brazil: Ricardinho Paraiso From Brazil: Filipe Moreno From Brazil Arturzinho Aguiar From Brazil: Junior Braguinha From Brazil: Kleber Lima From Brazil; Kleytton Farney From Brazil: Arthur Maia From Brazil: Tiago Marques
It's just so refreshing to find a list of bassists where McCartney isn't at #1 😅 I've been playing bass for decades and knew exactly zero of these beyond the top five. Different styles - different circle - different reference points. That's cool though.
Some of my favs: Mike Gordon, Phil Lesh, Geddy Lee, Victor Wooten, Led Claypool, O'Reilly Burbridge, Michael League, James Jamerson, Tony Markellis.... Cheers
There are few simple reasons why John Patitucci is the No.1: - plays 4,5 and 6 string bass phenomenally. - always (and i mean ALWAYS) has an immpecable tone whether its with his K.Smith or Yamaha or Pullman upright bass. - plays upright bass ( both jazz and classical style with a bow) like a beast. - has the most melodcial solo vocabulary,tasteful slapping and groove technique too. - reads music on the spot and is musically educated. - has recorded over 15 great solo albums as a composer and band leader. - has recorded over 100 albums as a respectful side man in almost all music genres, not just jazz. - still is a humble and generous person. Cheers.
All phenomenal technicians, but they're all really the same bass players over and over again. Plenty of chops and no small amounts of wankery. What about the players that re-wrote the vocabulary or syntax of the instrument or changed the way or context in which it was played, or influenced generations? The obvious ones: Jamerson, McCartney, Entwistle, Squire, Larry Graham, Jack Bruce. The less obvious (but every bit as valid): Jeff Berlin, Stu Hamm, Duck Dunn, Pino Palladino (!), Tony Levin (!!), Mark King (sort of..), Flea, Mick Karn, Les Claypool, Geddy Lee and the criminally under-rated Ray Shulman (from Gentle Giant). Pffft, says I...
To be fair I think this is partially the choice of clips, but I take your point. There are about 3 seconds in the entire video where the players are below the 7th fret...you know....the "bass" range of the instrument :)
bruh, this is his personal list not yours. Those bassists get mentioned everyday and are already on everyone lists about. It’s refreshing to see great players with technical prowess on someone lists rather than the ones everyone already knows. I didn’t know a lot of these players but I knew the ones near the top of this guys list and some were pioneers of technique on it too. Make your own list and upload if you don’t like it, sheesh
@@AtomizedSound 15:35 "Did I miss anybody? - I'm sure I did. Please put them in the comments section below, and put your list, too, of the top 25 greatest electric bass players of all time." Merely complying with the gentleman's request. Bruh...
I definitely wouldn’t say these are all the same bass player. Just because they have chops doesn’t mean they all sound the same 🙄. Very different players
Well first of , you made it clear that this was YOUR list of the top 25 greatest bass players. I just want to say that you did a outstanding job of compelling this list. There are no names that don't belong on this list. It appears to me that you took a lot of time to compile this list. I just want to say thank you!!! GREAT JOB!!!
Awesome list; many I'd never heard before and I'm grateful to have been introduced to them. Top 2 were kinda no-brainer; absolutely 💝 Tal Wilkenfeld. And I'll nominate you for "honorable mention" as well, you got mad skills too bro.
People can slot whomever they want but your number 1 is Number One. Hands down. Any arguments? He can play literally anything and better! I grew up big Jaco , Stanley Clarke Bunny Brunel fan but once Victor hit the scene it was a lock
I agree Victor is the man with regards to virtuoso technique and while subjective, this is a very comprehensive list. also, the list of honourable mentions could easily rival the original list, IMHO. Another name to add to the discussion, Esperanza Spalding. If you are not familiar with her it is very much worth the effort.
Your list should be retitled Top 25 Jazz Fusion Bass Players. You can't have a Top 25 Electric Bass Players without including James Jameson, Verdine White, Nathan East, Chuck Rainey and Louis Johnson. So maybe your list should have been Top 30. 😂
Añadiría a ese excelente listado Jack Bruce de Cream, Stuart Zender de Jamiroquai, Steve Swallow que acompaña regularmente a John Scofield y Nathan East que es fiel escudero de Eric Clapton. Son 4 bestias del bajo.
Very good list. But IMHO Jonas Hellborg, Alfonso Johnson, Meshell N'gedeocello and Linley Marthe could have been in such a list too. Funny to see only Jazz-Rock, Jazz-Fusion, Jazz-Funk here (it's fine with me 🙂).
Can’t argue about personal preferences. And it’s near impossible to say who’s better than who… But Henrik Linder from Dirty Loops, one great funk bassist, being Dutch was news to me ;) Still, thanks for a ton of inspiration 🙏
Hey just watched your video awesome. Now you should ask for reaction video requests. That would be sort of a fair way as well as a learning experience to see what others have come across. Be sure to post it if you decide to try doing that.
I read somewhere that the Butterscotch Armpits are reforming and plan to tour with a new album sometime next summer. However, bassist Johnny Thud won't be joining them, citing irrevocable musical differences with singer Pete Thistle (translation: Pete stole Johhny's girlfriend at the last gig, 3 shows into the European leg of the last World tour). Festival dates have yet to be confirmed, but the Sunday headline spot for Glastonbury is said to be on hold. Watch this space.
Stefon, I didn't know you had this page. Great job, brother! I see why neither you nor I are on this list 🙂 And a great list for sure. A few names that came to mind - mostly the great session players - Nathan East, Leland Sklar, Will Lee, and of course James Jamerson, who influenced so many. Another name I was recently reminded of is Ralphe Armstrong, who as a 17 year-old kid was playing fretless bass in Mahavishnu Orchestra with John McGlaughlin et al. Great work, my friend!
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The Top 25 bass players who can play lots of notes really fast over jazz.
I find it sad that Geddy Lee from the band Rush wasn't mentioned.
Geddy Lee is a tremendous electric bass player, not to mention that he is also the main vocalist of the band Rush, and he is also a synthesis.
Geddy Lee does the Vocals, plays Electric Bass Guitar, and plays Synthesizers. And he performs all those three in one on stage.
No insult intended here, but all those electric bass players you mentioned don't do what Geddy Lee does.
Same goes for maaaaany many rock and metal bassists. John Paul Jones from Led Zeppelin, John Entwistle from The Who, Cliff Burton from Metallica, Geezer Butler from Black Sabbath, Chris Squire from Yes....
The guy said this wasn't a list of rock-stars! This is a list of sessioneers and industry go-to people.
Jamerson, Chuck Rainey, Alphonso Johnson, Tom Fowler, Jimmy Johnson, Ralphe Armstrong, Billy Sheehan just to name a few.
Abso-friggin-lutely! And add Nathan Watts and Leland Sklar to that list (and how about Andrew Gouche?)
No one mentioned Leland Sklar!
Wonderful player but NOT a virtuoso as per the lists main criteria… Skylar would be a more appropriate fit on top legacy players
Where’s John Entwhistle ??
Entwhistle is the GOAT.
Entwistle.
with all due respect why jamerson not even make the honarble mentions?
I'm glad I read your comment first, now there's no need to watch the video anymore.
These lists are stupid because there's no 'best bass player'. And if there were, it would be Jamerson
@@shnrrr I agree wholeheartedly. Popular music wouldn't be the same without his influence. And most who have been inflenced by him, are not even aware of it.
he literally stated that he largely based this off of technique
Wonderful player but not quite as good as the guys on this list.
I think that there’s only a handful of omissions really that fit this list’s criteria.
These lists are always nonsense because of the word "greatest" .... if the word was "favorite", it would just be an opinion which is fine.
I don't think I saw one single "Bassist" here in the lower register, these are guitar players on bass..
@@OlandoMcCallI love drumming and drummers, but generally hate drum solos, because they tend to be all about speed and technique and nothing to do with what really matters; rhythym, groove and swing. Great drumming should make you want to dance.
And it's pretty much the same for bass. Great bass playing should move you emotionally and make you want to move physically.
All that high end noodling is just the bass version of the drum solo; brilliant technique with no soul - and very dull.
@@dctbass With regard to Drummers, you may be referring to Stu Copeland lol..
@@GrantWright-t3r I love the drumming of Copeland!
@@dctbassSo you don’t think the bass is a legitimate solo instrument?
CHRIS SQUIRE!?
Where are the "groovers?" Jamerson, Carol Kaye, Duck Dunn, Bootsy?
Yes.. This is all about solo bass..
Just knowing that Carol Keye and James Jameson off of a list like this is almost disqualifying.
Exactly. No list could be complete without "The Duck."
Stanley Clark.
All very technically brilliant players but give me James Jamerson, Carol Kaye, McCartney, Duck Dunn, Tony Leven etc. any day. Melody and playing to the song.
Where's Nathan East🤔
indeed i missed him
Yup, it’s not a list without the KING OF SMOOTH.
..and how do you not include Pino? and Levin?
Naw he is a Bassist..
Probably omitted because he didn't slap enough 😝😝
Okay, all 25 of these bass players are extraordinary but in essence, they basically all fit into the Fusion genre! In my opinion, the absolute finest all round bassist/vocalist/harmonica player/Moog Taurus player/composer is without any doubt, Mr Christopher Squire who has the unbelievable ability of playing ludicrously complex basslines whilst singing counterpoint and playing the moog pedals. His achievements with YES were sublime and he definitely should've been placed in the list!!! XXX
Then Geddy Lee also. Wouldn't you say? Plus he loves Chris Squire. I don't think he played harmonica though. At least it isn't on any recording I've heard.
Cheers
Check out some Yes TH-cam clips he definitely played harp
@@stevenperren1678 Typically stupid remark where you've used the expression Harp instead of Harmonica! A Harp is a various sized stringed instrument with multiple length strings and is plucked with both hands!!!
@@denfinch5694 are you familiar with the term “ pedantic twat “ ?
@@denfinch5694unbelievable pedantry
Pretty much all these showed a great ability to noodle but for me not really that musical. I do know that for example Jeff Berlin is a great bass player - check out Jack Songs. But there are tons of guys who aren’t known for their ability to noodle but rather just lay down a groove that is the basis for wonderful compositions. Roger Glover, Andy Fraser, John Paul Jones, Jean-Jacques Burnel, John Entwhistle, Geddy Lee, John Deacon, Greg Lake, John Wetton, Trevor Boulder, Graham Mabe would be on my list
All of the bass players that you have mentioned are ROCK bass players, and to say the least they (other than John Entwistle) really don't belong on this list.
@@sosmooth7 that’s just your opinion though. Why don’t they belong on the list ? Does it say ‘The Top 25 Electric Bass Players EXCLUDING Rock’? No 🙄
We Dutch are honoured to have Henrik Linder as one of the best bassplayers. Unfortunately he is from Sweden...😢 By the way, are all these guys and galls selected, because they break speed records? I know, I know, it's hard to compare people. Thanks for the video though.
Ok….
Jack Casady
Sting
Jack Bruce
Paul McCartney
Michael Anthony
Ron Carter
Tony Levin
John Entwistle
Flea
Chris Squire
Rhonda Smith
John Paul Jones
And a whole list of others who are more than outstanding players in a bunch of music categories.
This entire list is jazz and fusion players. If you're going that route, please change your title. Also the fact that there was no mention of Oteil Burbridge, Thundercat, Tom Jenkinson or Stuart Zender leads me to question your jazz palette altogether.
Oreilly Burbridge is a Chameleon-he can play any genre extremely well-
👏👏👏👏🙌👏👏👏🙌
@@bleb54 ...and he can scat while he solos! Saw him twice with Allman Brothers and he tore it up.
Precisely - I listened to the entire 25 and the selected clips in most cases showed the bassists doing pretty much exactly the same thing and tonally there was again little difference because of the jazz/fusion parameters. Now if he'd like to try a "25 bass players with the most distinctive sound" it'd be more interesting.
Henrik Linder is Swedish bass player not Dutch
Tuneless slappy nonsense. Yuk.
Tosser@baylinercobra
I would include: Mark King, Jimmy Johnson, Freddie Washington, Nathan East, Tatsuo Sakurai (Casiopea), Neil Jason, Louis Johnson
Seems all those you picked are of the same ilk. How about all the bass players who actually created bass lines to enhance the songs their bands wrote. Chris Squire-YES , Geddy Lee- RUSH , John Myung - Dream Theater, John Paul Jones-LZ, Paul McCartney. I found the clips to be incredibly boring- bass guitar solos are useless- technically amazing but without music to what end.
Stu Hamm , Jimmie Johnson , and Alphonso Johnson and BUNNY BRUNEL
THESE ARE GREAT BASS PLAYERS.
great list buddy ! Skuli Sverisson should be in there too
I know you didn't want to include any rock guys but I think Les Claypool can keep up with nearly anyone on this list should have an honorable mention.
Rhonda Smith is phenomenal...bass player with Jeff Beck for years after Tal left to pursue a solo career, until his death.
Good thing you mentioned that there's no particular order below spot 4. Gary Willis should have to be closer to Jaco for what he does with the fretless bass, imo. Jimmy Haslip as well. I'm a fretless fan, can't help it :)
Percy Jones should have been mentioned too as he was a pretty big influence on Manring
Chris Squire from YES must be on the list. His sound, virtuosity, approach and technique was unique. Nobody sounds like him. By the way, IMO some of the other choices can actually be almost interchangeable and I am more of a jazz, fusion jazz guy. But appreciate your list, especially exposing some, less known players. Thanks
Where's Geddy Lee from the band Rush?
He's also an Electric Bass Guitar player, and also the lead vocalist of the band Rush, and also plays Synthesizers.
And Geddy Lee can perform all those 3 in 1 on stage live.
Geddy is the reason I became a bass player
I won’t quibble with your choices because all deserve to be here. This video is entirely about bass solo chops, a small portion of what bass players do. Most of these guys are also monsters at accompanying their bands which is a much greater portion of the bassist’s role and far more important in total than the flash solos featured here. I started playing bass in 1966 and learned quickly to appreciate the journeyman players above the “dig me” novelty stuff.
PAUL JACKSON
Missing brian Bromberg
Right!
People always get attacked on these lists. It's not my list but if you are leaning heavily on Jazz then it is a serviceable list. It is your list and I do like and respect the fact that there are not a lot of STARS on it. I think those who move the ball forward like Chris Squire, James Jamerson, Bootsy Collins, John Lodge, etc. should be considered but that would be on my list. I've seen several of your choices live and they were great. Cheers and be blessed.
I knew as soon as I saw that 6 string bass in the frame I would have trouble with this list.
If you would call this list the best 25 jazz electric bass players I’m cool with that, but calling this list the best 25 electric bass players is just being a jazz snob and also a bit ignorant….
A bit only?
@@AboubacarSiddikh I’m a big fan of understatements
I was thinking something along those lines. While bass solos are impressive, they aren't the true nature of bass.
@@fivestring65ify I think bass solos are boring beyond description. The players should serve the music, not the other way around. My favourite recordings of Jaco Pastorius are with Joni Mitchell.
@@AboubacarSiddikh I agree. The simplicity of a bass and its function in a band is often overlooked.
In my list Jonas Hellborg and Dominique di Piazza are among the absolute top players.
Thank you very much for your video! It has been a reel pleasure listening all these great Masters of the Bass guitar. And as we know, there are always people missing in that kind of list. For instance the great French Bass player Dominique Di Piazza (1992 - Que Alegria tour - John McLaughlin Trio). I think that I won't be wrong saying that I've never seen anyone using the four-finger picking technique before Dominique. In fact in France We know that the very humble Dominique has paved the way for Hadrien Feraud. The choice of Tal Wilkenfeld is excellent, her playing is not just about speed, she masterdly brings soul to the Bass. And I will end by saying a great Thank to the Masters Jaco and Stanley for having paved all the way for the younger generation of Bass guitar players. Michel from Grenoble, France.
Wow! Thank you for reminding me and introducing me to some amazing bass players.
Quite a comprehensive list of Bass 'technicians'. 👍🏿
Any list that has my Electric Bass G.O.A.T Anthony Jackson, Jaco, Marcus Miller, Richard Bona, Bakithi Kumalo is good enough for me.
However, Jamerson being THE #1 influence of all the people on that list, has to be on any Best Electric Bass Guitarist's list 😎
PS: Hendrik Linder is Swedish not Dutch if I'm not mistaken.
The top 3 can share the 1st place and the next 22 can share the 4th place :-) So many amazing musicians/bass players. 🙂
Agreed! 😊
I worked on 4 different albums with Jacqueline Pastorius. He is the greatest baseplayer of all time not even close
Such a graceful way to present our community's masters... Thank you! Just one observation as personal opinion: Mr. James Jamerson should have a place in Top 3...
YAWN!!! They all sound the same. Their approach seems to be, how many notes can we play in 10 seconds.
Yes, exactly!
Good list. For me, Stanley Clarke is my all-time hall of famer on bass. Another bassist you didn’t mention, who I believe is worth mentioning, is Anthony Crawford. Check out his work with drummer Virgil Donati, mainly his tour videos. Phenom! And I’d like to add one more, Dutch player Frans Vollink.
Great list! Stanley and Jaco top honors, Mark King in top 10 at least. Sting, Paul McCartney, Pino Palladino and Duck Dunn for holding down the fort. John Entwistle, Chris Squire, Geddy Lee... and Lemmy Kilmister - just because he's Lemmy Kilmister!
It's a dang physical instrument. Those people all look muscular and fit, even more than most drummers. For this type of player, I like George Anderson Junior, from Shakatak. I know this isn't a list of rock stars, but Boz Burrell from Bad Company and King Crimson is one I'd mention. He learned bass in his 20s in King Crimson, and went on to become industry-standard, excelling on fretless bass.
Very informative list. I’m happy that you included Michael Manring who created a new language for his instrument playing solo. I like to say: “Paganini, Bottesini, Hendrix, Manring”. I first saw him playing opening solo for my youth idol (specially on Upright Bass my main ax at the time) Stanley Clarke on the worldwide tour with Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten. Sitting next to me there was another Bass player that I just met and before the concert we asked ourselves that after hearing these three icons of Electric Bass what could possibly be the future? After hearing Michael playing by himself I saw the future! It’s no wonder that the Master Bass Player, Teacher and Wise Man of Victor Wooten’s amazing book “The Music Lesson” is named Michael. 😊🎶
My favorites...
1. Bootsy
2. Larry Graham
3. Les Claypool
I think we have different tastes, though... I'm a funk guy.
I noticed he has a bit of bias towards the younger generation..
Rocco
Good list top 5 fairly accurate even if other genres of music is added. The rest or at least from 11 going could be swapped with another 15 and still be fantastic.
Thank you so much for the mention Stefon!! Working with Michael M. is a dream and don't leave yourself out as you are a killer player!!
Thanks! Miss you brother! I pray you and your family are well!
@@kinderdude1 Right back at you and big hugs from us to you and your family my man!!
@@scottmcgill559
Is this the Scott McGill from Finneus Gauge?
FG was an amazing group of musicians with unfortunately very few yet poorly recorded videos, I wish there were better ones cuz Scott’s playing is as good as the world’s best players!!
@@sheldoninst it is and thank you so much for the kind words. Finneus Gauge was a great band and unfortunately the band was not well documented outside of the two discs we did. I appreciate your kind words and thank you very much. All the work I did with Michael Manring I cherish. Let's stay in touch and my best Sheldon!
Marcus is my number 1 with Mark King a close second based on there output, song writing & technique.
These are all great but Geddy Lee and Flea should be mentioned
From Brazil: Nico Assumpção (asco upright bass)
From Brazil: Michael Pipoquinha
From Brazil: Ricardinho Paraiso
From Brazil: Filipe Moreno
From Brazil Arturzinho Aguiar
From Brazil: Junior Braguinha
From Brazil: Kleber Lima
From Brazil; Kleytton Farney
From Brazil: Arthur Maia
From Brazil: Tiago Marques
Man there's a bunch of amazing bass players from Brazil...
There are more.... Brazil is the capitel of bass! ;-) @@robertvilleneuve8272
Way more accurate than any other list I have seen.
It's just so refreshing to find a list of bassists where McCartney isn't at #1 😅
I've been playing bass for decades and knew exactly zero of these beyond the top five. Different styles - different circle - different reference points.
That's cool though.
Jaco Pistorius, Mark King of Level 42, Virdine White of EWF, Nathan East
Some of my favs: Mike Gordon, Phil Lesh, Geddy Lee, Victor Wooten, Led Claypool, O'Reilly Burbridge, Michael League, James Jamerson, Tony Markellis.... Cheers
There are few simple reasons why John Patitucci is the No.1:
- plays 4,5 and 6 string bass phenomenally.
- always (and i mean ALWAYS) has an immpecable tone whether its with his K.Smith or Yamaha or Pullman upright bass.
- plays upright bass ( both jazz and classical style with a bow) like a beast.
- has the most melodcial solo vocabulary,tasteful slapping and groove technique too.
- reads music on the spot and is musically educated.
- has recorded over 15 great solo albums as a composer and band leader.
- has recorded over 100 albums as a respectful side man in almost all music genres, not just jazz.
- still is a humble and generous person.
Cheers.
Great list,how about Ralphe Armstrong ,they say that seeing Armstrong playing fretless caused Jaco to remove the frets from his bass👍🏽
All phenomenal technicians, but they're all really the same bass players over and over again. Plenty of chops and no small amounts of wankery. What about the players that re-wrote the vocabulary or syntax of the instrument or changed the way or context in which it was played, or influenced generations? The obvious ones: Jamerson, McCartney, Entwistle, Squire, Larry Graham, Jack Bruce. The less obvious (but every bit as valid): Jeff Berlin, Stu Hamm, Duck Dunn, Pino Palladino (!), Tony Levin (!!), Mark King (sort of..), Flea, Mick Karn, Les Claypool, Geddy Lee and the criminally under-rated Ray Shulman (from Gentle Giant). Pffft, says I...
To be fair I think this is partially the choice of clips, but I take your point. There are about 3 seconds in the entire video where the players are below the 7th fret...you know....the "bass" range of the instrument :)
bruh, this is his personal list not yours. Those bassists get mentioned everyday and are already on everyone lists about. It’s refreshing to see great players with technical prowess on someone lists rather than the ones everyone already knows. I didn’t know a lot of these players but I knew the ones near the top of this guys list and some were pioneers of technique on it too. Make your own list and upload if you don’t like it, sheesh
@@TinyDBasslol it doesn’t matter where you play at on the “bass”, but sarcasm noted
@@AtomizedSound 15:35 "Did I miss anybody? - I'm sure I did. Please put them in the comments section below, and put your list, too, of the top 25 greatest electric bass players of all time." Merely complying with the gentleman's request. Bruh...
I definitely wouldn’t say these are all the same bass player. Just because they have chops doesn’t mean they all sound the same 🙄. Very different players
And you COULD mention Charles Berthoud, who is technically better than at least half the guys on the list... But not a fusion star.
Great shout !
Good one! But he’s not quite a deep list of sessions nor does he have a trajectory yet…
@@sheldoninst I didn't see session work or trajectory as considerations when judging capability as an instrumentalist. Thx.
Well first of , you made it clear that this was YOUR list of the top 25 greatest bass players.
I just want to say that you did a outstanding job of compelling this list. There are no names that don't belong on this list. It appears to me that you took a lot of time to compile this list.
I just want to say thank you!!! GREAT JOB!!!
*Henrik Linder is not Dutch.........he was born in Sweden.
Gary Thain, regardless of the genre, he was a monster.
Awesome list; many I'd never heard before and I'm grateful to have been introduced to them. Top 2 were kinda no-brainer; absolutely 💝 Tal Wilkenfeld. And I'll nominate you for "honorable mention" as well, you got mad skills too bro.
Victor Wooten 3; Marcus Miller 2 ; Jaco Pastorious 1……please!!!
They are all flash, but can they play bass. Now I know why nobody likes a bass solo.
Henrik Linder (Swedish) always innovative and my Favourite right now, outshining most others.
Fish, Geddy Lee should be on any list in my book
People can slot whomever they want but your number 1 is Number One. Hands down. Any arguments? He can play literally anything and better! I grew up big Jaco , Stanley Clarke Bunny Brunel fan but once Victor hit the scene it was a lock
I agree Victor is the man with regards to virtuoso technique and while subjective, this is a very comprehensive list. also, the list of honourable mentions could easily rival the original list, IMHO. Another name to add to the discussion, Esperanza Spalding. If you are not familiar with her it is very much worth the effort.
i missed Nathan East too.and Brian Bromberg
GREAT list...thank you! grew up in S Florida and Jaco was the Man who created ! wonder who Wooten would put #1? MD
Your list should be retitled Top 25 Jazz Fusion Bass Players. You can't have a Top 25 Electric Bass Players without including James Jameson, Verdine White, Nathan East, Chuck Rainey and Louis Johnson. So maybe your list should have been Top 30. 😂
Yeah. Top at what? If selling records counts, Jamerson and Carol Kaye. Top at being recognizable? Geddy Lee, Entwistle, Louis Johnson.
John deacon?
YES! WTF? Where is John? Btw - there are NOT 25 - about 10.
No Groover’s, No Funker’s 🤔 no Jamerson, Chuck, Bootsy, just a list of soloists!
Jaco No 1, Tal number 2, Bona, MMiller, Hasslip, Stanley C, etc.... and me :)
Abriel is THE man, its so much pleasure to watch him how he is one with the bass !
Añadiría a ese excelente listado Jack Bruce de Cream, Stuart Zender de Jamiroquai, Steve Swallow que acompaña regularmente a John Scofield y Nathan East que es fiel escudero de Eric Clapton. Son 4 bestias del bajo.
Very good list. But IMHO Jonas Hellborg, Alfonso Johnson, Meshell N'gedeocello and Linley Marthe could have been in such a list too. Funny to see only Jazz-Rock, Jazz-Fusion, Jazz-Funk here (it's fine with me 🙂).
A million notes & i can't remember 1 of em !
PS Andy Fraser
Can’t argue about personal preferences. And it’s near impossible to say who’s better than who…
But Henrik Linder from Dirty Loops, one great funk bassist, being Dutch was news to me ;)
Still, thanks for a ton of inspiration 🙏
Meshell? Thundercat?
I like your list. I like your list a lot!
Most sensible list I've ever seen but no Tetsuo Sakurai in any place. 🥲
Hey just watched your video awesome. Now you should ask for reaction video requests. That would be sort of a fair way as well as a learning experience to see what others have come across. Be sure to post it if you decide to try doing that.
Do any of them play actual basslines or do they just try to fit in as many notes as possible and all sound the same?
Great list, another honorable mention would be Dane Alderson, in my mind he's the best Yellowjackets bass player since Jimmy Haslip.
The list is a good list but it’s HIS list of personal favorites, there’s nothing wrong with that, everyone in this list are names that we all dig
Well thought through and well considered.
After reading a few comments and seeing Entwistle and Lee are not here it is just a favorite of yours
If Anthony Jackson isn’t on here, I’m going home.
You didn't mention the guy who plays at my local pub.
Level 42's Mark King missing?
I read somewhere that the Butterscotch Armpits are reforming and plan to tour with a new album sometime next summer. However, bassist Johnny Thud won't be joining them, citing irrevocable musical differences with singer Pete Thistle (translation: Pete stole Johhny's girlfriend at the last gig, 3 shows into the European leg of the last World tour).
Festival dates have yet to be confirmed, but the Sunday headline spot for Glastonbury is said to be on hold. Watch this space.
Just started here! He would be my number one! Just calling it like I see it! Greg
Great Job..My Brother!
All jazz and no rock? How about some Billy Sheehan! ❤
Rock players are good but nowhere near the Jazz players
How about Les Claypool?
How about a top 25 bass player's who don't have to solo for most of the song.😆
Oh yeah that's mine too Victor Wooten.
Stefon, I didn't know you had this page. Great job, brother! I see why neither you nor I are on this list 🙂 And a great list for sure. A few names that came to mind - mostly the great session players - Nathan East, Leland Sklar, Will Lee, and of course James Jamerson, who influenced so many. Another name I was recently reminded of is Ralphe Armstrong, who as a 17 year-old kid was playing fretless bass in Mahavishnu Orchestra with John McGlaughlin et al. Great work, my friend!
Percy Jones, Pilichowski, Jimmy Johnson
A list of 25 guys who could come in first AND third in a j.o. contest.
Great job Stefon!! I thoroughly enjoyed your video!!