List of great bassists to study?

[elpelotero]

I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to knowing the names of great bassists. I see a lot of names come up on this forum and I want you guys to fill in any gaps I have. Any style is welcome, but please, don't post some random a$$ dude just because you think he's cool or because he's from your favorite band...

I'm looking for bassists that have really made a mark in history in some way or another, have a very unique style, or extend beyond the normal boundaries of what is considered bass guitar in a band situation.

I'm not interested in a "who's better" nor do I care if you like the names posted by others. Save that for another thread, please.

Off the top of my head...

Victor Wooten
Gary Willis
Stanley Clarke
Les Claypool
Flea
John Entwistle
Jaco Pastorius
Sting
Marcus Miller
Cliff Burton
Billy Sheehan
John Myung
Dirk Lance
Paul Mccartney
Duff Mckagan
Tony Levin
Dave Larue
Bill Dickens
Stuart Zender
Geezer Butler
Mike Dirnt
John Paul Jones
Robert Trujillo
Jack Bruce
Steve Bailey
Bootsy Collins

[.Chris]

Mike Dirnt? Ew....Jks.

A Guy called FreakBass is doing some cool stuff.

Also Matt Freeman from Rancid has some cool stuff (punk)

And the bassist from Tiger army, whose name escapes me plays cool upright punk lines.

[saxnbass]

Uh Oh. You missed Geddy,Verdine White, Daryl Jones, Larry Graham, Pino Paladino, Adam Clayton, and James Jamerson

Also, take a look at some upright players, like Charlie Haden, Lee Rocker, Ron Carter, Paul Chambers, John Clayton Jr., and Charles Mingus.

[Otso]

Rocco Prestia.

[Michael Henson]

And......Adam Nitti, Brian Bromberg (sweet upright stuff)

[Sarbecue Boss]

Mike Gordon
Dave Larue

[fourstringgirl]

Steve Harris is missing from your list. He is a must to see and hear.

[Funkzfly]

I wouldn't neccessarily reel off a list of my favourite bassists here by any means.

I think it's good to look at Nathan East as an all round bass player, and to be able to understand that he got where he is today through hard work and dedication to both feel and theoretical knowledge.

I think it's good to look at James Jamerson to appriciate the extent to which a bass player can really bend the rules of rhythmic and harmonic disposition without losing contact with his music, but all the time knowing that he could still pull off the simplest of bass lines.

For virtuosity, I'd look at Jaco Pastorius, who utilised his bass in a way that set him apart from anyone else...he had the mind of a horn player, cello player and singer all at once; the kind of person that knew every single note before he played it, which degree of the scale it belonged to and where he could pivot onto his next note without even thinking about it.

For technical skill, players like Victor Wooten, who has developed an incredibly dynamic and rhythmic style that whilst impressive, knows when to throw his signature licks at you and when to hold back and take stock of other musicians.

Watching John Entwistle is just like watching the ultimate guide to rock bass playing, I think he's incredible.

And people like Rocco Prestia can really teach a bass player a lot about feel in the context of music as well.

[son_of_mogh]

Just wanted to add Anthony Jackson and Mike Watt.

[ndrly]

You forgot to mention Timmy C and Justin Chancellor.

[moogboy]

add Chris Squire of Yes to your list and you got it made.

[Barkless Dog]

Peter hook - New Order , Joy Division

Jack Casady- Hot Tuna

Donnald Duck Dunn

James Jamerson

Larry Graham

King Crimson - The album "Red"

Buy the movie "In The Shadows Of Mowtown" you can get it at some places like at $7.00

[Barkless Dog]

Colin Moulding of XTC- all is brilliant bass playing.

[mat gregory]

Roscoe Beck from Tower of Power. That guy has some serious groove!

Mark King for all out slap bass. Great player/singer.

[Hou]

Originally Posted by mat gregory

Roscoe Beck from Tower of Power. That guy has some serious groove!

Mark King for all out slap bass. Great player/singer.

Are you makin' Fun? Roscoe Beck from TOP...!

[Alan Vorse]

Derek Smalls
Peter Tork
Danny Partridge

[Yngwie 4String]

Your missing STEVE HARRIS and LEMMY KILMISTER and TOMMY ARAYA

Steve Harris is know for his execellent tone, and impressive endurance. His trade mark is the galloping bassline. (IRON MAIDEN)

Lemmy Kilmister is a living legend who pioneered the punk and speed metal movement. ALso has awesome tone and a furious playing style.

Tommy Araya is the in SLAYER nuff said.

[metallicafan18]

les claypool
billy sheehan
cliff burton
victor wooten
geezer butler
jaco pastorius
robert trujillo
david ellefson
stanley clarke
larry graham
flea
bootsy collins
geddy lee
lemmy (cant think of his last name) Dude in motorhead

[LarryR]

Originally Posted by Funkzfly

I wouldn't neccessarily reel off a list of my favourite bassists here by any means.

I think it's good to look at Nathan East as an all round bass player, and to be able to understand that he got where he is today through hard work and dedication to both feel and theoretical knowledge.

I think it's good to look at James Jamerson to appriciate the extent to which a bass player can really bend the rules of rhythmic and harmonic disposition without losing contact with his music, but all the time knowing that he could still pull off the simplest of bass lines.

For virtuosity, I'd look at Jaco Pastorius, who utilised his bass in a way that set him apart from anyone else...he had the mind of a horn player, cello player and singer all at once; the kind of person that knew every single note before he played it, which degree of the scale it belonged to and where he could pivot onto his next note without even thinking about it.

For technical skill, players like Victor Wooten, who has developed an incredibly dynamic and rhythmic style that whilst impressive, knows when to throw his signature licks at you and when to hold back and take stock of other musicians.

Watching John Entwistle is just like watching the ultimate guide to rock bass playing, I think he's incredible.

And people like Rocco Prestia can really teach a bass player a lot about feel in the context of music as well.

Good post. It's important to note why someone should listen to x-bassist.
He's mentioned, but here's why (i think) you should

Listen to the Master of the 3 minute pop song, Paul McCartney. The Beatles wrote some complex chordal stuff (for Pop). To my ears, there's noone better to listen to, to learn how close one can get inside THE SONG.

Trevor Bolder (Bowie, Uriah Heep). Trevor has a very rockin', fast, melodic, approach. Great touch. Fresh sensibility in the Pop format.

[ElectroStompbox]

The people whom i am currently following are

Les Claypool
Flea
Geddy Lee
Justin Chancellor