best bassist's

Buddy Miles (Band of Gypsies, Fathers and Sons, who knows what else...)
John Paul Jones (Zeppelin, obviously...)
Les Claypool (Oysterhead, Primus, Colonel Claypool's Bucket of Bernie Brains, Flying Frog Brigade)
Roger Waters (Pink Floyd)


That's about it for the bassists that really stand out as great, for me at least...

 

I sure can tell you IS'NT the greatest bass player: me.

 

Victor Wooten. Without a doubt.

-edit-
But I also like Jonathan Gallant, Dirk Lance, Mike Dirnt, Chris from Muse and Michael Balzary.

 

1. billy sheehan
2. eric wilson
3. john paul jones
4. cliff burton
5. krist noveselic(kurt wasnt the only genius)
6. les claypool
7. roger waters
8. paul mcartney
9. john entwhistle
10. mat freeman

(in NO particular order)

 

victor wooten (sometimes in bela fleck)

john paul jones (zeppelin)
steve harris (iron maiden)

 

yea they made my list, plus flea...

 

Les Claypool
Victor Wooten
Dave Schools
George Porter Jr.

 

thank you, I cannot belive I had to go four pages deep to find the obvious choice of Tony Levin! This guy ab-soul-utly smokes.

And I hate to break it to you guys, but Claypool is a one trick pony. A good trick, but only one just the same. Im wearing thin with the Les-lovers lately.

Burton is a nice choice, but he was actually a better songwriter than bass player. Perhaps the same with Steve 'Arris and Roger Waters.

Stanley Clarke is a very good bassist, as is JPJ and Sir Paul, but both have lines that bore me at times. These two are more like Spinal Taps "Lead Bass" concept when they play. Same with Geddy Lee.

Ive seen Billy Sheehan back some great players, if that qualifies a guy to be best hes got a shot. But then, so would Duck Dunn if thats the case!

Just my opinions, there, dont get all bent outta shape over em. Its not that I dont love the playing of most all mentioned here, and hear their work over and over!

The best bassist to me is often the one who is good enough not to be noticed.

 

you people are missing out on life! Chris Squire is the best player, he always will be!

 

You got that right.
Although I gotta give an honorable mention to Derek Smalls of Spinal Tap. Anyone who gets himself locked in a giant plexiglass pod is pretty damn cool.

 

thank you for finally mentioning him, he has such an awsome sound, he plays with a pick and if you ever listen to roundabout, listen to all the scales he rips for the background, its incredible

someone else might be Glen Cornick Jethro Tulls main bassist, listen to the base solo on Bouree its fricken awsome

 

Agree 100%

 

yea that's right, at least some people know who the king is! does anyone else know all the bass lines to Gates of Delerium by heart?

 

Jaco! Crazy and a genius.
Victor Wooten and James Jameson are also great!

 

I know it on air bass. Does that count?

 

Marcus Miller definetly makes my list.

 

I dont think that John Entwistle is getting enough credit...he was so innovative and had nowhere near as many bass players to look to for inspiration and ideas....he wasnt just very creative but he was extremely innovative.

 

Les Claypool, Phil Lesh, and Mike Gordon all the way.

 

Phil Lesh, Les Claypool, Cliff Burton(RIP)

 

don't forget bootsy... i love his shit w/ praxis