My Favorite Bass Players

I had a long weekend so I was not able to post anything. Since I talk about drummers I thought I would switch it up and discuss my favorite bass players since they are the other half of the rhythm section. There are so many to choose from and the ones listed are purely my opinion (obviously). So let's get right to it.


Geezer Butler, Black Sabbath
I have made no secret of my love for Black Sabbath and a huge part of their sound (besides Iommi's mega-riffs) if the bass tones from Geezer. Geezer made Toni sound better by complimenting his riff through the use of harmonic notes and even full chords on the base. He played much more melodic than many of the bass played of the time and I love it.
Songs to hear:

1. Fairies Wear Boots
   
2. After Forever
   
3. The Writ
   
4. Hand of Doom
   
5. Killing Yourself to Live
   

Geddy Lee, Rush
This is a no-brainer. Geddy not only has the chops on the bass but he can sing while he plays those chops. Like Neil Peart, Geddy spawned generations of bass players that were not content to just stick to the bottom and play a simple backbeat. Geddy was playing up and down the entire neck of the bass and even soloing in some song. Truly one of the best rock bass players of all time.
Songs to hear:

1. Xanadu (duh)
   
2. La Villa Strangiato
   
3. Red Barchetta
   
4. Marathon
   
5. Too many more to list
   
   

Chris Squire, Yes
Like Geezer, Chris Squire is the definition of a melodic bass player. Being in a progressive juggernaut like Yes allowed Chris to truly explore what a bass could do and be an active part of the melody. Chris is a master at playing harmonic melodies and even lead parts. The difference between him and Geddy, Chris uses a pick. I always thought Chris had a great voice as well.
Songs to hear:

1. Close to the Edge
   
2. The Ritual
   
3. Awaken
   
4. On The Silent Wings of Freedom
   

Steve Harris, Iron Maiden
Wow. That was all I could say when I had 2^nd row for Iron Maiden on the Fear of the Dark Tour. You can't help but stare at Steve Harris' fingers. He is so fast and has the gallop beat down to a science. There are many times when both guitar players and Steve are all playing the same notes. Steve can nail down the back beat but also turn on the fingers to do a lead just like a guitar player. Simply amazing.
Songs to hear:

1. Run to the Hills
   
2. Powerslave
   
3. Invaders
   
4. 22 Acacia Avenue
   
5. Alexander the Great
   
   

John Paul Jones, Led Zeppelin
While he may be the silent member of the best band ever, he is also a phenomenal bass player. He is so versatile and could melody as well as stay in the groove. He played with and without a pick and oh yeah, played keyboard as well. Always in the background, even on stage, he kept the songs chugging along when Page was soloing.

Songs to hear:

1. How Many More Times (my all time favorite LZ song)
   
2. Whole Lotta Love (duh)
   
3. The Wanton Song
   
4. The Song Remains the Same
   
5. Achilles Last Stand
   

John Entwistle, The Who
While the rest of the band was a bit sloppy in their playing as a whole, John was refined and could fly around the bass. He also perfect the four finger technique where he could hit many notes in a short period of time. I always loved the tone of his bass as well. He fit in perfectly with The Who but also kept the songs grounded. I was sad the day I heard he passed away. He was rock royalty in my book.
Songs to hear:

1. We Don't Get Fooled Again
   
2. Can You See the Real Me
   
3. My Generation
   
4. Bargain
   
5. Sparks
   

John Myung, Dream Theater
My biggest complaint about Dream Theater is that John Myung is way too far back in the mix. The guy is an amazing bass player but it is hard to hear him. There are several theories as to why this is. I am not going into that here. I have seen him live several times and I can attest to his fluid fingers and amazing technique.
Songs to hear:

1. Metropolis Part 1
   
2. Lifting Shadows off a Dream
   
3. In the Name of God
   
4. The Dance of Eternity
   
5. Octavarium
   
   

Notable Mentions (great players, just not as into these as the others)

1. Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck)
   
2. Jaco Pastorious (Weather Report, Solo)
   
3. Tony Levin (King Crimson, LTE)
   
4. Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big, etc.)
   
5. Les Claypool (Primus)
   
6. Justin Chancellor (Tool)
   
7. Paul McCartney (The Beatles)