10 of the Greatest Bass Women Ever

[@robertmartin2394]

I grew up in LA and got into guitar and bass in my teens. My dad said to me one day, “I found someone very special I want you to have a lesson with - her name is Carol Kaye.” I had no idea who she was back then, but I can still remember going over to her house and comping to standards in her dining room like it was no big deal. I was trying out for eighth-grade jazz band on guitar and she was willing to switch instruments to teach me. Such a phenomenal teacher, then come to find out she’s one of the greatest bass players of all time. Much love and respect to a legend ❤

[@allenthomas7076]

Just turned 57, my wife is buying me lessons for our 7th wedding anniversary, and I just purchased a Fender. I have always wanted to learn how to play the Bass. Wish me luck!

[@lolap3667]

You will do well!! Never stop learning my friend💜

[@RetroPlus]

Good luck!

[@bassmaniacriley69]

Allen Thomas That’s awesome!!! Never too late to learn. I’ve been playing professionally for over 35 years now and have no regrets. 🤘🏻

[@MA-pr5uk]

good luck !

[@FjarilGoddess]

fantastic and so encouraging, at 46 I'm finally going to learn the guitar after years of it being an incomplete dream on my bucket list! Wishing you the best of skill, fun and and just& make it funky!

[@samanthawatkins7479]

I played bass when i was younger with my daddy....it is my favorite instrument to play....unfortunately he n i were in a very bad car wreck...neither of us could play bass again. He passed away n i never picked up a bass again n its been 10 yrs...ive been thinking about buying a bass n starting back playing....i have some work to do, but this is very inspirational ❤ Thanx for sharing this!

[@mannyagrinya1529]

Sorry to hear about your accident and your father's passing, but DO IT. Start playing again, and wishing you the best.

[@samanthawatkins7479]

Thanx guys! I have finally purchased a bass. Im just awaiting its arrival now. I cant wait! 🥰😁😍

[@aceythespacemanfrehley2566]

Sorry to hear about the wreck and your father. I hope you're doing well these days, and that you will play your bass again in honour of your father. ❤️

[@hollywont9447]

I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m teaching myself to play and I think you should absolutely do it! Best of luck to you.

[@artworksphotography4682]

Your Father would WANT you too!❤👍

[@VgoRob]

Tina Weymouth is criminally underrated as a bass player. Never flashy but her playing was always exactly what the songs needed.

[@johnvechey9312]

I came to post this! She’s amazing! The talking heads without her would be like talking nose and left eyes!

[@tnrstrategy]

@@johnvechey9312 She is good but the lead singer is special and makes it work with anyone he plays with ... Her not so much ...

[@johnvechey9312]

@@tnrstrategy she’s one of the most sampled bassists in 90s hip hop with her other band Tom Tom Club

[@tnrstrategy]

@@johnvechey9312 I didn’t know that , impressive yet she is limited compared to many other players. (Sampling simple lines by hip hop producers doesn’t constitute a graduation to master bassist in any world) In any case she played the most impressive bass line with talking heads…”you may find yourself…”

[@johnvechey9312]

@@tnrstrategy Hahahah. On that we can agree. 10/10 best Talking Heads bassist!

[@AsMaineTheOrijinalGeisha]

I’m getting my bass Monday, studying, and researching, and I really enjoyed this video! I’m 38 starting a little later in life, but I’m going to give it all that I have! Thank you for the vid! 🙏🏽

[@artworksphotography4682]

I wish you much success!👍❤

[@AsMaineTheOrijinalGeisha]

@@artworksphotography4682 Thank you! 🥰

[@jenimichelle]

Best of luck to you!!! I turn 40 in December I plan on getting my bass in the next month or so....I was so nervous and hesitant but seeing comments like these are always so inspiring 🖤

[@MinisterJaiB]

Best wishes!!!

[@crowfoot7355]

Its never too late.

[@arocketgal]

Thank you sooooo much for honoring Carole Kaye! YES YES YES!!! Completely ignored for decades. She created some of the most epic riffs. Wow! Anyone should check her legacy out.

[@billofjazz]

Yes! I totally agree. She played bass lines while being a member of the "Wrecking Crew" of backup recording studio artists who played the songs of my adulthood, with Tommy Tedesco, Hal Blaine, et al.

[@RPA900]

and she is not black........ wow

[@hueyfreeman6262]

​@@RPA900....

[@fifthbusiness1678]

Indeed! Carole Kaye is one of the top 10 bassists in rock/popular music period.

[@LTPXQ]

I was a 12-year-old Boy Scout walking with my 18-year-old scout leader. I told him I really wanted to learn how to play guitar. He said Bob. become a bass player. There are never enough good bass players. The impact of that suggestion was amazing on me. I became a bass player I played professionally for a while in bars and stuff. I love the bass guitar. Even though I’ve been playing acoustic guitar for the most part since I was 20 - I’m now 65 - I consider myself a bass player first and foremost. Scott I love how you promote a great instrument. Keep doing what you’re doing and keep exposing us towards going on in the world of bass guitar.

[@pipeleme1]

Meshell Ndegeocello is just flawless playing and singing with John Mellencamp in "Wild Nights"! Love this song

[@mperdue12]

Carol Kaye it the legend. So glad you included her and thrilled you put her at #1. She helped write the sound track of my childhood and made some really famous people look very cool.

[@Casmira.Draconid]

Female singer/bassist here as well! I've just started bass last year, but nothing has ever felt more natural. And it's a KILLER vehicle into music theory and audio physics! Best thing that's ever happened to me, straight up. Thanks so much for this compilation, I have so much homework now

[@nycfunk]

Good luck in your music endeavors.

[@madmaxsax9662]

Welcome in the slapclub. Bassjunkie too. Now igot3.

[@edwardshields2777]

Tina Weymouth, one of the most sampled bass lines of all time 'Genius of Love'

[@leebatt7964]

Agreed. She is self taught and knew exactly what to play on every song.

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

Tina rules them all!

[@caelumward6836]

Man, I was waiting for Tina Weymouth, one of my favourite players ever. Her lines are always PERFECT.

[@terrywho22]

Huge miss on that one. At least he got Ndegeocello in there.

[@cosmicjazzman4817]

Mohini Dey is one of the most intense, jaw dropping bass players I've ever seen or heard. Steve Vai begged her to guest play with him. Her father is a Jazz and classical Indian composer. She was writing charts for Orchestra at age 4. She's got it all and she's still improving?? How? When your already close to perfect and your drive to improve is that strong. 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️ Not saying the other ladies aren't spectacular. They are as good as anyone in the business. These ladies are true musicians.

[@williamlewis8492]

Her style reminds me of thunder thumbs Johnson, not to take anything thing away from her talent. It amazes me on how they can manipulate the fingers like that.

[@dansdoves3650]

Ive been watching/listening to Moheni for a few years..she is incredible. I guess her dad was friends with or played with John McLaulin ( Mahavishnu Orchestra) that explains some of her influence doesn't it. She is my favorite

[@deprichef9903]

Due she is young, she is overplaying everything of musicality in the piece. Compared to Nielson or Spalding, she is just noodling around. On a very high technically level, thou, but still noodling.

[@sorellman]

@@deprichef9903 Mohini Dey is 26 these days. He uses an older clip from when she was very young. Scott says these videos are in no particular order, then he insists on talking about the two ladies who are #1 and #2. On that note, #1 & #2 should be Dey and Wilkenfeld, or the other way around, doesn't matter. By the way, what is wrong with noodling. It is a gray area and it is difficult to tell apart noodling from improvisation. You have to be in the mind of the player to decide if this is noodling or improvisation.

[@BasVossen]

Saw her at a bass booth at Namm 2018, thought every girl in the US was a better bassist than me!

[@donnarupert4926]

Carol is my hero!!! I’m 60 y/o and so is any woman who chooses a non-traditional “female” career. I’m not a musician but choose in the 80’s to become a Paramedic. I was told, “ you’re a girl” you can’t be a Paramedic🤷🏽‍♀️so I became the best☺️

[@HeronCoyote1234]

It’s no longer on Netflix, but look for “The Wrecking Crew”. Carol Kaye, Tommy Tedesco, Leon Russell, Glen Campbell and Dr John, and several other incredibly talented players were session musicians for ton of groups in the ‘60s and ‘70’s.

[@GeeBee909]

Be sure to add Juna Serita of Japan to your list. She plays with the group Tokyo Groove Jyoshi. Juna is an excellent bass player

[@Bass.Player]

Carol Kaye Just turned 85 three days ago. Happy birthday Carol.....🎸

[@reggiejones485]

Here's my tribute (from her book Electric Basslines 2, which really got me going on bass a while back! kzbin.info/www/bejne/moCUg32Pgpejg68

[@Banqo]

Check out the film "The Wrecking Crew" which features Carol.

[@MrDowntownLA]

Carol Kaye should be in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, like her friends, Earl Palmer and Hal Blaine. TK

[@joesmith34]

@@reggiejones485 Yeah Carol Kay is a session muician who happened to be in the right place at the right time to work with many famous artists. Her playing is pretty basic not technically fantastic like the others shown on the vid. How about the bass player from a taste of honey sort of asian origin Check out the live performance

[@joesmith34]

Regie Jones I found her Janice maria Johnson from the band Taste of Honey Boogie oogie oogie live Check it out live Plys and sings in heels

[@ChazJazzNY]

Meshell Ndegeocello I consider her a person who can write arrange play and create a musical situation if a women guy or alien from outer space. Just a gift that we needed in the bass community..

[@cynthiagardner7922]

❤

[@dethzawisza]

For those who didn't notice: Esperanza plays fretless. And sings at the same time.

[@mitchie2267]

She’s the best, so creative!

[@ALBAHERN]

She plays usually double bass which is fretless

[@RtripleA]

Yep, I noticed and thought, WOW!

[@JasunMunczip]

And a great composer,as well

[@sadiqmohamed681]

And at the time of that video recording I think she was only 20. She is a star.

[@bkdexter79]

Mohini Dey plays sooo many styles at once! She is phenomenal! More of her would be great!

[@TheLb08]

Mohini Dey the bass goddess now play with the living legend of Indian music A.R. Rahman in his live shows .

[@a.nobodys.nobody]

Oh yeah!! Forgot about her

[@MrHestichs]

I hope that message to Carol Kaye reaches her, that would be amaziiing!

[@Myxolydian2001]

I've sent a link to her......

[@thirtyminutes8055]

My wife is an accomplished jazz guitarist. She said the hardest part about learning an instrument like guitar or bass was that she was entering a “male space”. So much of the language around music is male-dominated, even if unintentionally most of the time. It’s hard for a woman to walk into a guitar or bass shop filled with men widdling away and comparing specs without feeling like an outsider. I agree with Scott that there need to be more female bass players, but part of that is the community making small steps to make new female players feel welcome. I think it would help a lot if we could all shy away from terms like “bass dudes” and “all those guys in New York”. Good vid, by the way 👍

[@sirenofsound]

Hell- even the curves of string instruments are like us- by the very nature of the instrument it deserves to be in our hands.

[@dvs6121]

@@sirenofsound If anyone doubts you, tell them to look at the cover art of the Brian Bromberg's album: You Know The Feeling. He's a guy (and an exceptional bass player) but he didn't use a man's body on that album cover....

[@dvs6121]

Thirtyminutes - Thank you for sharing your wife's thoughts. We all need to be reminded until we reach parity.

[@och70]

"I agree with Scott that there need to be more female bass players, but part of that is the community making small steps to make new female players feel welcome." You know how that happens? 1. Woman buys bass. 2. Woman learns to play bass. 3. Woman works, and works, and works at her craft until she's an undeniably great bass player. There are no shortcuts, doesn't matter if it's a man or a woman.

[@iqi616]

@@och70 0.5 Young women taken seriously in music shops. There's still a tendency to talk to the male rather than the female. I sort of understand it when it's the dad because it's likely his wallet but when it's just the boyfriend? I hate it when my wife is shopping for stuff and they keep focusing on me - even female sales clerks do it and it's not like I'm hunky.

[@johndube1731]

I've seen Carole Kay play many times at NANN in Anaheim and every time she blew me away. No matter what style. People need to know who she is.

[@michaelschleifer3820]

I respect professional musicians

[@mikeherriman4600]

Her guitar playing is excellent as well

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Anyone that knows of "The Wrecking Crew" knows who Carol Kaye is. I think she was the only female member.

[@ModernLove100]

I filmed a whole concert of Me'Shell Ndgeochello and everything she played was so incredibly tasteful + her grooves were solid. She literally made her drummer work hard to keep up

[@johnodom151]

The lead singer/bass player for A Taste of Honey should have been on this list. One of the best bass lines in Disco “Boogie Oogie”. Come on man!!!

[@thepromiseman7745]

Exactly

[@dacun2734]

Janice Marie Johnson

[@gaycha6589]

Not noodly or slappy enough for this lot. But I agree.

[@melissapauser8460]

Totally! I just watched “Boogie Oogie Oogie” while i was Dancing with myself! She was Lit!🔥

[@budrafael2970]

For the first time heard of Janice Marie Johnson from A Taste of Honey in those comments and had been charmed, listening to it for two days in a row non-stop, really love it, I think it is a time reference. If you are looking for a dance partner do not hesitate !

[@RMoore-zt7zs]

Glad to see Gail Ann Dorsey on your list Scott. When she did "Under Pressure" with David Bowie in my opinion she not only laid down some exquisite bass, but also her vocals even outdid Freddie Mercury's rendition. David Bowie certainly knew how to pick the right people to put a performance together.

[@hansdeboer7891]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iprLm2B-l7erY7s

[@Shelsight]

Agree 100x. To have Bowie and Lenny Kravitz rely on you as their bassist; to also be a respected vocalist (even sharing “Under Pressure” lead vocals); and to be able to (reluctantly) turn down Prince when he asks you to join him..? Jeez, you have to be an epic bassist and musician in every aspect. Plus she sounds the most professional, humble & chilled person in interviews.

[@sweetbermudaonions60]

Gail also played with Tears for Fears and Gwen Stefani.

[@janpcs]

Her vocals on "Under Pressure" were great but she didn't outdo Freddy. Not by a long shot.

[@MrFat.]

Meshell Ndegeocello, has been slapping Bass since the 80's. Although, she admit that she doesn't sing and play bass at the same time, still one of the greatest. 😎🎸

[@tiffanylandry8669]

Ndegeocello is pronounced N-dey-gay-o-challo, Swahali for "free as a bird". I'm glad she's included in this tribute. She's one of THE best! I'm a long-time fan!

[@kingdeedee]

She’s absolutely FANTASTIC. Her debut album is an absolute masterclass in soul/funk bass and every note/run/line she plays has so much character

[@Kevjoseful]

Ndege is swahili for bird but o cello is not swahili.

[@terrif2974]

Learned how to pronounce her name while sitting in a theater after I totally screwed it up the first time. Love her

[@laz0rama]

same here! her version of "who is he and what is he to you" is one of the funkiest songs ever.

[@MatthewCartwright-eb9er]

I would spell it out as Na (short a or more like nuhh) je (short e) ssilo (short i, then long o at the end) if I didn't know the spelling but know how to pronounce it. Nuh jessilo

[@OohWeeShaShaCooCoo]

Meshell's name is pronounced IN-duh-GAY-oh-CHELL-o. Also I'm finally getting serious about bass after owning one for a few years. I'm in my early 20s but I'm sure I can be great just like these lovely ladies! We need more ladies on the bass for sure and I'm getting better everyday to make the list!

[@akgypsy9274]

I'm so glad I picked bass as my favorite instrument to play! BTW, I'm a female, but I don't consider myself a "female bass player", I'm simply a bass player. I have a 5-string fretless Pedulla ThunderBass, and it's served me well for over 25 years. I've played other basses and still have a few others, including a cool, vintage Jerry Jones Longhorn 6-string. But the Pedulla is my go-to bass pretty much all the time. I'm not a slap player, but a lot of the women highlighted here are awesome! Carol Kaye and Tal have been favorites for years, of course. Thanks for also introducing me to some I hadn't heard of until seeing this video. Thanks Scott for the years of cool stuff you've taught me.

[@TheNinnyfee]

You are right, musicians should not be referred to by gender. But for now men, especially white men, are still controlling many narratives and inspiring female role models still need to be highlighted. They should just be mixed in, but in general they aren't. Look at the most watched channels re e-instruments like guitar or bass, the majority will be male. Even some women amongst each other still think that playing instruments like e-guitar, bass or drums are "unfeminine", unfortunately we still have a long way to go. So I am glad some guys' channels are supporting women until it isn't needed any longer.

[@johnnierivera1594]

Billycobham

[@thewizardssleeve119]

​@@TheNinnyfee Quality, not equality. "White men are still controlling etc.." This is racist and ignorant. You obviously get your ideas from toxic areas like critical race theory and/or radical feminism.

[@cosmicjazzman4817]

That's right we are all human beings, we're all players. Period. I'm a drummer and one of my favorite players is Terry Lynne Carrington. She's so good for a DRUMMER!😉👍 Keep playing music sister! Sex is not a competition nor is race. We're all musicians.

[@mara8456]

@@thewizardssleeve119 And you get your ideas from incels and men's rights groups.

[@johnwoods1922]

Two that I would have included: Tina Weymouth (Talking Heads). Great groove and memorable lines. Michael Steele (The Bangles) - very melodic player and integral part of the band's sound.

[@kelvinharris7338]

Tom Tom Club-Genius Of Love...iconic bassline!

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

Michelle was also part of The Runaways - with Joan Jett and Lita Ford (among lesser known artists).

[@fusiongh0st736]

Surprised no one has brought up Tina Weymouth, she was such an important piece of the Talking Heads sound

[@seriousbismuth2173]

Omfg right?! Or Kim Deal 😅

[@abocas]

And did some recognizable bass lines in TH and TTC. But was she an awesome bass player .... I am not so sure ...

[@Gregor9043]

Tina Weymouth is the very first female bass player I think of.

[@deletebilderberg]

@@seriousbismuth2173 Kim Gordon Leslie Langston Gail Greenwood Sara Lee Showing my age!!

[@seriousbismuth2173]

@@deletebilderberg Gordon and Greenwood🥰

[@jfo333777]

Tal’s solo on that Beck performance is one of my favorite solos EVER!!! Soo much feel. ES is a bass goddess to tho! Great post, Scott!

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

Nobody should ever play a bass solo or a drum solo for that matter. Only two exceptions to this rule: The Ox and Keith Moon.

[@buckemptier]

@@gustavmeyrink_2.0 I hate it when people say that. Check out this video for example, and tell me the guy needs to stop soloing and get behind the guitarist and play some root notes kzbin.infopfO4mTd8Nsk?feature=share

[@31pas0]

@@gustavmeyrink_2.0 nobody should ever write dumb comments, and still here you are.

[@atlbassist]

Shout out to D'arcy Wretzky and Melissa Auf der Maur (both Smashing Pumpkins alumni)

[@janaina6216]

Michael Lamond I started playing bass because of them! (and John Paul Jones)

[@valk67]

abload.de/img/22bwfjgh.jpg

[@davidornberg]

Misa in Band-Maid, how fluid she switches from picking to slapbass, Koga in Gacharin Spin... most for her energy on stage and she is an awesome slapbass player as well...

[@VladimirChupin]

MISA is also great as a part of a band. She can be highly technical, but she never tries to promote her as something special, she prefers to MAKE MUSIC, which requires to be in accord with all the other band members. The same true for all other BAND-MAID girls. Akane is probably the best drummer in rock right now, but she avoids drum solos as much as she can. Her concept is that the drummer must synchronize with the bass, the guitar, and the vocals. She said in an interview, that she hits her cymbals, minding the vocal accents. I find it truly amazing, I've never heard before that a drummer would take particular care to support the vocalist in such a way. And MISA is also a perfect piece of a puzzle clicking together with the other BAND-MAID members. MISA MISA MISA !!! She's a beauty and the beast at the same time...

[@davidornberg]

@@VladimirChupin Have You seen Junna the drummer? She is brutal nature force!

[@daftspect]

Thanks for making this compilation! Seeing other women of color is really encouraging to become a better player.

[@kensroswell]

I'm sorry, Esperanza Spalding does simultaneously what's considered impossible, singing melodies as intricate as hers while playing at that lever on a FRETLESS, with perfect intonation/timing, what she does is on another level.

[@monkeymindmatters]

She's AMAZING, but maybe not "rock"...

[@kensroswell]

@@monkeymindmatters I'll tell you, have a listen to her Emily's D+Evolution cd.. she may not always BE rock, but she certainly can rock with the best of them.

[@monkeymindmatters]

@@kensroswell I know the CD well. I totally agree that she is incredible, no doubt.

[@blkmusikween1]

And she can play like that on an acoustic Bass and sing as well... not the stick Bass upright, but the real deal full fledged orchestral Bass

[@Ian-bq7gp]

Playing a fretless bass must take some mastering. Its similar to double bass, cello, or fretless stringed instrument in that respect but double bass i believe is plucked not played with a bow?

[@sheilasimpson7092]

Great job!!! You did right by Carol Kaye!!!! She is a classic and do not get nearly the RESPECT she has EARNED! I love this video shout out! Fantasy job. Bye; I bought my fist bass a few weeks ago .... Ibanez Mikro . I will be wresting out repeat watching this video! INSPIRATION.

[@andyo3689]

Carol Kaye was my first Bass teacher. Everything about my playing is built on that foundation....I have to mention Tina Weymouth as someone you didn't mention.

[@reggiejones485]

Mine too! kzbin.info/www/bejne/moCUg32Pgpejg68

[@robertasparrow1948]

So inspiring! Started with Scott's 1st Lesson 3days ago and am having so much fun. Even just 3 notes on the same string can be groovy. Thanks to all of you supporting us beginners.

[@robertasparrow1948]

It's been a few weeks & I am now doing a 7 songs in 7 weeks challenge. 1st one is a waltz.Those 3 note bass lines will at least carry over for the 1st challenge. Not expecting a #1 hit but am ready to put my first song out there in 6 days! Thanks for the confidence Scott!

[@mariozermeno2649]

Right on point and yes Carol is on of the most notorious bass players of all time she was part the wrecking crew for so many years . Please do something with her we need to see more of Carol !

[@bobblues1158]

It is great you named Carol Kaye! I live in Denmark and there have been some great women bass players here since at least 36 years ago when i first moved here from the states, so Ida Nielsen has had inspiration from here, a very small but culturally rich country. i was so grooved that she came from here and made it on an international level.

[@hiltondixon]

Scott, It's obvious how much you love the bass when you're watching someone else play it. It's that childlike love. Don't lose it, man! I know the feeling and it feels good! Btw...these girls are some "Bad B's" (as in Bassists). Flat out amazing.

[@orlandojohnson5742]

Enjoyed this video! I have a younger daughter playing elect bass , upright bass & guitar! I try to keep her motivated seeing these great female & male bassist! Don’t forget ole school bassist. Remember “Taste Of Honey!” “We’re the lady’s of the 80’s” “Don’t stop boogey yugy yugy!” Sukiyaki…. That was a gd female bass player too(80’s).

[@beverlymendheim5691]

THANK YOU for mentioning CAROLE KAYE, the initial female ground breaker of bass playing!

[@manningbartlett522]

I had an email exchange with Carole Kaye back in 2011, I was doing some work with Alembic to try and track down the fate of a seven string bass they built for her back in the late 70s. She had no idea what happened to it unfortunately, but it was still a thrill for me to be emailing back and forth with such a legend.

[@jospinvanraat8730]

Fabulous

[@Pamelamusic371]

Funny, I played upright bass from elementary thru early college, then I switched to cello. Now I’m an old retired person and I’m missing my bass!!omg these young women are phenomenal 😎

[@susanhagenbass]

Never too late to pick up the bass again!!!

[@peterkranz9609]

Just do it! Retired doesnt mean a shit

[@mjeffn2]

But, but, but, I LUUUVV the cello.

[@civilcitizen3586]

Mohini Dey hands down!!!!! My wife and I were stumbling across bass musicians after listening to a very young 11 year EllenPlaysBass. We were super impressed until we got BLOWN AWAY! by a very young Mohini Dey! Yes, there are a great number of fabulous female base players out there, BUT, Mohini Dey is the Michael Jackson, the Michael Jordan of Bass Players. I'd venture to say: Few players I've ever heard can even approach her finger-prowess on the bass strings, male or female. Cherish and chronicle her skills as life is short.....

[@devinebass]

Awesome dude, she's absolutely killer, no doubt about it!

[@terrybeige5038]

@@devinebass This is 4 years late and I still agree with all of your list. Some I knew, Carol - Tal, others are new to me. I would like to offer another. She is Japanese (there are many of them) and she is a very proficient player. Her name is MISA and here is a sample of her style - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bam9nKeZnK-Cipo She plays with a pick and slaps in the same song and changes from one to the other very quickly! The above video shows this. From a radio interview - - (Chris): What amazed me most about your play style is the changing of picking to slapping, and then picking again so smoothly. Some bassists may throw their picks away to slap, but you use the same pick when you change from slapping to picking again, right? (Misa): No, I don't throw my pick away. I have become better as I practiced. For the recent 2-3 years, I haven't lost any pick. (Chris): Show me how. (Misa): I keep the pick with my index finger and palm. (Chris): Then you slap the bass with your thumb and middle finger? Can you show me how you play? (then Misa shows how) (Misa): Because I've been practicing these days, I can change faster than ever. (Chris): You are mixing them up! That's awesome! (Misa): I think anybody can do it if you practice.

[@graciaslopez4891]

Mohini bass playing is so sophisticated

[@graciaslopez4891]

No 1 Mohini Dey

[@graciaslopez4891]

No one comes close to Mohini D.

[@debs-110]

Don’t forget Jean Millington of the rock band Fanny 1970 -1975 . She also did sessions with David Bowie , Journey, John Lennon and so on . She was self taught as well as her sister June who played rhythm and lead guitar .

[@donesomeage]

And she sang both lead and harmony as well. Jean and the whole band are criminally underrated.

[@andreacastleberry978]

I’m dying to learn bass! Slap bass! During quarantine, I started learning electric guitar & had to pause due to a shoulder injury. So, swapped and learned ukulele. I’m going back to e guitar now, until I can get a bass. Oh, yeah...I’m 47, and it’s NEVER TOO LATE! So pumped!

[@henryfreeman7748]

@IyaEarthseeds got you'll geriatrics beat banging and bumpin at 63 gotta make it funky every day

[@keithmcduffie7182]

Janice Marie Johnson - Taste Of Honey: "Boogie Oogie Oogie". When That Song Came Out, I Was In Jr. High School And All The Bass Players HAD To Play That Song Or Else BE SHUNNED!!!!! 🧐

[@rnovak6054]

Thank you for doing this video. I am 52 years old and just started playing bass in 2019 after my passed and I wanted something to keep my mind busy. I started with teaching myself the keyboard and then I use a controller and iPad to play bass using an app called SampleTank. This year I started lessons on an actual bass guitar. I play the bass on my worship team and plan to step out with the guitar at the end of this year or first weekend in January. This just gave me more encouragement. I appreciate it, at times I've felt like I was getting too old but to heck with that thought. Lol 😆 I'm doing this!!!

[@aarondavis4341]

Anyone that was good enough to play with Prince ,is a true bass beast

[@garnetbezanson1404]

He was a good bassist in his own right

[@pietdebeer7972]

@@garnetbezanson1404 I'd go so far as to say as a GREAT bassist. And having seen Rhonda live with him, wow...

[@shaulanthony7157]

If you were part of Prince's rhythm section on either bass or guitar you definitely made it.

[@blairjones8231]

Prince kept Ida Nielsen on for approx 6 years before he died so have must have had a high regard for her!

[@Iofflight78]

Prince's talent was just ridiculously off the charts. He wasn't my favorite artist at all but I have nothing but respect for his ability.

[@nwahs41066]

I can remember Meshell Ndegeocello playing on a track with John Cougar Mellancamp called Wild Night.

[@stephendouglas6106]

Totally and always hated this version compared to the Original.

[@TheYotman]

I've only recently been exposed to two Japanese bass players that made my jaw drop. Misa from Band-Maid and F Chopper Koga from Gacharic Spin. Very different styles, but both are incredibly talented. You should check them out.

[@karlinhosMG]

MIYA from Zazen Boys (and other bands like 386 or Bleach03) is also a beast. In Bleach03 she's the best bass I've ever heard in a hardcore band

[@analourenco5739]

@@karlinhosMG I was looking for this comment. she's incredibly underrated and definitely one of my favorite bass players

[@williamb4652]

Love MISA.

[@captbuscemi]

Some incredible players there, it’s always fascinated me that there seem to be more famous female bass players than lead guitarists; could be any number of reasons for that, I’m not gonna guess 🤷🏼‍♂️. How blessed are we all that these ladies have added so much to the amazing depth of bass history. Special shout out to fellow Aussie Tal W, so proud to see her career continue to flourish on the world stage. Also, hardcore music trivia nerd here 🙋🏼‍♂️. So, I saw Meshel live waaaay back in the 90s, the surname is a pseudonym, she herself pronounces it En-dig-ay-oh-chello. It’s not the traditional Swahili pronunciation, but for simplicity it’s what she tends to use to make it easier for everyone. Such a hypnotic performer, one of the great live acts of that time (or any time!) IMO.

[@johngibboni1678]

If I have the story correct, Carol Kaye came up with the iconic bass line in "The Beat Goes On" by Sonny & Cher when she was a session player in the studio where it was recorded. They didn't have it written so they told Carol to "just play something" - Also love Nik West and Tal Wilkenfeld. You gotta have mad chops to hop on stage with the likes of Prince and Jeff Beck. Great video Scott - made my night.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

The only bass player that played on more hits than Carol was Leland Sklar. And she could argue the point.

[@envaleorex7361]

no tina weymouth - there were pioneers not mentioned

[@mikeking453]

Really

[@jimmymack9440]

Went straight to the comments to look for Tina 👐🏻

[@TheYeetusLord]

Like he said at the beginning, these are ten of *his favourites.* It’s subjective.

[@KimSE4]

It's subjective - these are Scott's favourite players. If it were me I'd put Tina Weymouth at no.2 and I'd have Kim Gordon and Kim Deal in the list, but that's me - those are my tastes.

[@lorenzodicapo6305]

Tina was never a great bassist

[@orlando1a1]

Me'shell N'Degeocello is an astonishing bassist and musician The album (Peace Beyond Passion) is a truly a masterpiece.

[@davideskenazi8806]

….and Plantation Lullabies. Two complete masterpieces.

[@joseph_b319]

What an amazing list. When you said you could not pronounce her name I knew exactly who you meant. Also 4 bass players on your list played with Prince, well that just says everything.

[@lownotes4320]

Hey Scott! Wonderful selection. Love all of them, the ones I already knew and the ones I discovered thanks to you. Missed Tracy Wormworth though. Amazing bassit for The B52's, Sting. Cyndi Lauper, etc. Another great video, as always.

[@noi5emaker]

I saw Bowie with Gail Ann Dorsey and he was always so supportive and never thought he was the star and she was supporting him. He knew he was in the presence of greatness! Mind you, his whole band was top-of-their-game players (this was early 2000s). Under Pressure brings goosebumps like no other song.

[@M2Mil7er]

OK before I press play, I'd nominate these 12 women in no particular order: Carol Kaye, Meshell Ndegeocello, Tina Weymouth, Kim Deal, D'Arcy Wretzky, Ida Nielsen, Gail Ann Dorsey, Melissa Auf Der Maur, Laura Lee, Paz Lenchantin, Kim Gordon, and Suzi Quatro

[@ChristopherANeal]

Yeah, that's the right list. People who, you know, play bass, not just endlessly solo. Bass is about foundation, not flourish. If you want to solo, play guitar. Otherwise, sit back and play the same thing for five minutes, because that's our job.

[@feel.s1304]

@@ChristopherANeal An instrument isn't only limited to what it was traditionally written and used for. Anyone that thinks things should be how they've always been, just because they've always been that way, are stupid.

[@ChristopherANeal]

Look, I agree that it doesn't all have to be 'thud/plop', but I cannot abide bass solos. Certain things just don't go together no matter how hard you try. You don't put beef in a Curry, and you don't solo on bass. It's a square peg/round hole scenario, and I will NEVER change my mind on this one. I used to be a guitar player. I played solos. They're boring to play, and boring to listen to. A good groove is the most important thing in pop music, from "I give it a 7 because it has a nice beat and it's easy to dance to" to modern Hip-Hop. No groove, no music. Bass solos haven't got groove, and these players Scott spotlighted, except for the four string Goddess herself, Carol Kaye, are all about soloing (same reason I deplore Jaco; yeah, I said it, and while I'm murdering sacred cows, I never liked Hendrix when I was a guitar player. Over rated and masturbatory). You can disagree, and that's great. But I will never like that style of playing, and no matter how many counter arguments you posit, they will never sway my opinion.

[@GVike]

I honestly was never impressed with D'Arcy, although maybe it's just that the Smashing recordings always had the bass buried 10 feet under. As for guitarists turned bass players, Kathy Valentine did pretty well. Her playing was huge with The Go-Go's.

[@frankspikes7858]

@@ChristopherANeal Hey Chris eye see both sides of the coin. Lol. First and foremost I'm a groove drummer. But I love progressive music. I find it very inspiring. Solos are cool as long as they make me feel good. And it's not continuous shredding. Everything has it's place whether I like it or not.

[@kingdeedee]

Meshell Ndegeocello’s debut album is a must listen for any bassist. She’s got insane touch and she’s an absolute bass nerd too. She’ll have songs where she’ll play a jazz bass, synth bass, and stingray all on one track depending on the character she wants in a specific section and she sounds crazy doing it! Edit: specifically listen to Call Me, I’m Diggin You, If Thats Your Boyfriend, but everything she makes in general is just insane

[@bt82]

I’m glad Yolanda Charles got an honourable mention. I love her playing on Paul Weller’s Live Wood album.

[@MackDonald]

Me too! Her and Steve White were such a killing rhythm section.

[@billsherrington5996]

Saw her play at a tiny gig at the Half Moon Putney. Amazing stuff and even got to chat with her after the gig!

[@GVike]

I was hoping to see her with Squeeze in the States but she had other commitments at the time.

[@jeninewhitson]

Meshell NdegeOcello is one of my favs however, I thoroughly enjoyed this. Go ladies!

[@tawanahawkins7855]

She is one of my favorite artists period!!!!

[@looklookerlooking]

Meshell N-da-ge Ochello. Her first album "Plantation Lullabies" is a masterpiece . The bass playing on that album is as funky as one can get and second to none .

[@thepromiseman7745]

Outside your door I'm digging you like an old soul record Dred loc Call me Two lonely hearts on the subway Are my favorite tracks off the album

[@gregoryarrington5899]

Now we are talkin the cello is one of the coldest lady bass players out there because she has technique and original style she creates her own bass lines I don't see her copying anybody else like these other ladies OG Arrington back to the study with respect

[@gustavosanders1948]

Janice Marie Johnson (A taste of honey) & Kim Clarke (Defunkt) are a must on this list.

[@lyndamcardle4123]

I've scrolled down to ascertain if JMJ got a mention so well done !

[@fredko7086]

So glad you chose Me'shell up in your choice. She's one of the most sensitive in her bass play. This album, Peace beyond passion is one of the best concept album I have never ever listened to. Not the most fast slapping player or so, but her bass lines and groove are so darn sensual, almost erotic. One of the best to me.

[@sebastiannai4381]

Unbelievable she is not on this list what a joke

[@Downtheyoutubes]

How can you not include Les Claypool.

[@drumrboi72]

Prince had a habit of attracting sum of the MEANEST female bass players!😁🔥🔥🔥

[@latonyahemingway3752]

Carol Kaye, Janice Marie Johnson, Tina Weymouth , Meshell Ndegeocello , Rhonda Smith, Tal Wenkinfeld, Debra Killings, Esperanza Spalding , Gail Ann Dorsey, Yolanda Charles .

[@KalypsoKent]

All of them freakin'amazing!!!

[@quinnsavage2325]

What about Juna Sarita. Has any body heard of this Child. She must be reckoned with..Q

[@angusbabb4913]

Carol Kaye has to be number one ..the sheer volume of work on across popular music . Gail Ann Dorsey ,so cool and a great singer too

[@devinebass]

Both 🔥🔥🔥!

[@colinbaxter3317]

Yes Scott, you have to do an interview / chat with Carol Kaye. Especially to let the younger generation see what we old timers aspired to.

[@gregoryarrington5899]

No disrespect I am not a old-timer I am a OG all of these ladies sound the same they have the traditional same old sound no one has any creativity of their own I want to see them come up with their own bass lines and dig inn not copy everybody else OG Arrington comes to the table to cut heads back to the study with respect checkmate wow

[@alphonsodicredenza]

i have only just discovered Juna Serita.i dont know how long she has been around or if that was one of the criteria to get on this list but she is as impressive as it gets imho.

[@williebowen1043]

Janice Marie Johnson from Taste of Honey , Tina Weymoth: Talking Heads should have mentioned too.

[@arieslove6144]

I agree

[@masayaohazama4372]

MISA MISA MISA, barefoot assassin from Band-maid She is a special presence that sets her apart from other bass players. mysterious performance Innovative and soothing melody line, There are so many technical female bass players in the world, but she is one of outstanding talented bass player.

[@tablameister]

I add to the chorus of Tina Weymouth fans that her omission from this list is inexcusable. Her funk grooves (with P-Funk almuni Bernie Worrell) during her time with Talking Heads paved the way for many of those mentioned here. You should go to 11 (like Spinal Tap) and include Tina. STOP MAKING SENSE!!

[@dicknastee1652]

Umm. Yes she played some cool grooves but not really a bass player...probably couldn’t even play a scale. Any of the women on the list would learn in 1 day what she did when they were 4. Eno created the sound.

[@tomcotroneo9241]

@Alessia di Gennaro you don t know the bassline to psycho killer?

[@tomcotroneo9241]

@@dicknastee1652 I don t disagree on Eno and their later works, but Eno did not produce 1977 for example and Eno has nothing to do with Tom Tom Club either. The bassline to Psycho Killer alone is one of the most haunting and memorable ever written. Technically easy? Who cares!! We should stop equating musicianship with being a technical wiz.

[@dicknastee1652]

tom cotroneo it’s punk rock. It’s supposed to be simple. Is it in the pocket? Sure. It’s a great song and great band. But the bass line isn’t sublime. If it was a dude playing, say Dee Dee Ramone, would you still say the same thing? Is he in the top 10?

[@vadim4252]

Just like the drummer of the white stripes. Perfect for the band, sub-optimal anywhere else.

[@MG-vo7is]

The first name I thought of was Meshell Ndegeocello. Scott gets to Mohini Dey at 2:19 and I give the video a thumbs up. Then Tal Wilkenfield at 3:22. He gets to Meshell at 7:00 and I'm delighted. I bought her first two albums when they came out.

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

The first name I thought of was Tina Weymouth and Carol Kaye second.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@gustavmeyrink_2.0 I thought of Carol first. Then Michelle Steele. I do recognize Tina though.

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 Given that Tina replaced Robbie Shakespeare in the Compass Point All Stars she is probably the second most recorded female bass player behind Carol. The reason I thought of Tina first is because I grew up with Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club on the stereo so it was just a matter of my age.

[@bricefleckenstein9666]

@@gustavmeyrink_2.0 The Talking Heads were on the radio when I grew up - but I wasn't much of a fan. I've barely heard OF the "Tom Tom Club", and NEVER heard of the "Compass Point All Stars" before.

[@gustavmeyrink_2.0]

@@bricefleckenstein9666 Compass Point was one of the leading recording studios in the world at the time. Pretty much everybody on Island Records (Chris Blackwell owned both) and their dog recorded at Compass Point. Tina replaced Robbie in the house band which was probably on most recordings done there although frequently not credited, especially not on albums by bands who recorded there.

[@eduscapes3005]

Speaking of women of bass, I am going to become one, I get my Schecter bass tomorrow and will be promptly signing up for your lessons Scott..

[@TheZman210]

Esperanza's the Gold Standard! Don't forget her singing!

[@ferrisfleming4384]

Showing my age again, first one I thought of was Suzie Quatro followed by Tina Weymouth. People have to check out the Wrecking Crew film for more on Carol Kaye. They were the hit-makers of LA.

[@MJ98774]

Suzie Quatro was also Leather Tuscadero from "Happy Days." Showing my age as well :)

[@rpretlow]

Tal Wilkenfeld’s solo is one of my all time favorite bass solos.

[@jackpardue]

Tal is an absolute phenom. she is so young but has amazing presence.

[@bigreddogiii5048]

Here here! Seen her live. Such a talent and a promising future

[@DeborahDavisSings]

MICHELLE Ndegeocello ( PRONOUNCED : In - deh- geh - oh- chello ) Slamming! One of my favorites.

[@jeremysears4263]

She's one of my heroes

[@jeffkatt]

n-"DAY"-gay-o-chello

[@MrWaalkman]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5-zgYWHmrmrirs Oh yeah.

[@jasonmiller1512]

Better believe it..

[@aga5542]

Stop being stupid, she's the Icon of bass and one of the milestones in nusoul.

[@emiliososa1936]

In my opinion Mohini Dey is by far the best! She is polished and has perfected her craft/playing in every aspect. Not to mention has a resume of playing with world renound artists that to this day top some of the others as far as musicality and technical fortitude! The complexity of her playing overshadows all others! Sorry....NOT SORRY!

[@gregoryarrington5899]

Yeah yeah yeah that's all cute and dandy these ladies they all sound the same they all have the same old traditional sound no creativity no technique I want to see them come up with their own style and quit copying everybody OG Arrington comes to the table to cut heads back to the study with respect checkmate wow

[@gregoryarrington5899]

@@JM-tj5qm that's real funny don't be stupid you want to go head up baseline-to-baseline you really play Don't challenge me I am intellectually ruthless game recognize game I come to cut heads with my guitar ax I hear the same old technique I see the same old sound I've been around OG Arrington back to the study with respect do you have any respect yourself dude or lady before you check me I have 18 Masters what music have you produced you can also go to KZbin and check out Gregory Arrington when I was just getting started with an acoustic guitar as an amateur okay player you feel me go and study

[@gregoryarrington5899]

@@JM-tj5qm also I am very confident in my own ability that's why I thumbs up myself something you might want to look into back to the study with respect OG Arrington

[@idag071]

I agree. There's great talent out there but Mohini is the Goddess of Bass.

[@kitsunenokami5809]

You might want to check out a Japanese bassist named Misa from the all female hard rock band Band-Maid. Have a listen to their song "Play" live. By the way their lead guitarist and drummer are very good.

[@andreperron8466]

Yes for Misa she is awsome

[@RolandTumble23]

MISA!!

[@jongoforth1405]

Incredible musicians. Beautiful. Stunning. That Tal Wilkenfeld has a ton of harmonic knowledge-I'm sure they all do, but the solo you picked shows her strength over the minor ii-Valt-i. They are all great. Nothing to choose, really, just a joy to hear all of them, their takes on what music means to them at that moment.

[@MrNathan791]

So many great female bassist. I never heard of most of them, but I’m sure I’ve unknowingly heard them on someone’s cd. Thanks for posting.

[@rockygreenham9778]

Hi Scott, great choice for no1. Carol Kaye was more interested in playing the correct bass line for the song. Carol was not interested in self elevation like some of the other girls. Tal has played some very difficult material with Herbie Hancock and other greats, so I have a lot of respect for her. They are all fantastic players.

[@alanhusband9422]

Some amazing bass players on here! Carol Kaye is a legend, but very unappreciated for what she's done.

[@GCAT-zv9in]

She has some AMAZING stories also. If you haven't seen her KZbin sitting there, bass in hand reminiscing about back in the, all while raising a family and marriage and never missing a beat. She has wonderful observational skills and a powerful storehouse of memories. She has an open heart and accepts everyone. I wish there were more like her, but she is one of s kind.

[@brianshaddock5483]

No list is complete without Tina Weymouth. She's among the best when it comes to writing bass lines.

[@wentkat]

Juna Serita from Japan is another great female bass player. Check out her video Princess of Funk or Tokyo Groov's cover of What is Hip

[@Barrustio46]

Not to mention the other female players she works with especially on saxes

[@Taz90]

Was glad to see Crole Kaye on this list. I would have to give honorable mention to Tina Wymouth, Michael 'Micki' Steele, & Kathy Valentine. They're all good, solid bassists. My bass teacher told me that Tina Wymouth continued to take bass lessons for a long time, even though she was playing professionally with The Talking Heads. And Micki had been in the music industry for 29 years, before she retired in 2004. Actively playing for 25years. She took a 4 year hiatus from 1994 to 1998.

[@chrysippus2]

Me'Shell's work is on the archetype level

[@guitardude4700]

I will definitely be checking her out she sounds awesome

[@ReasonableRam]

Here is an honorary shout out to Tina Weymouth.

[@Frisbieinstein]

Still the Queen of Groove.

[@jarodivey9033]

Yeah, I know these lists can only be so long, so we'll always see someone overlooked, but Tina was a glaring omission to not even get an honorable mention.

[@marcelomourad7180]

@@jarodivey9033 that's true... i have Tina in my top 10 men and female players

[@dukealbert7017]

DEFINITELY the BIGGEST, glaring omission here!

[@vannjunkin8041]

Looks like he was sticking to the modern virtuoso top ten only..

[@A.Walker.]

Mohini all day long!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 They're all gifted, but she can do anything and everything with that bass! Brilliant!❤❤❤

[@Lizardbrainzzz]

Esperanza is perfection

[@Ohhiitsadam]

Carol is available via email on her website! She responds relatively quickly and personally as well!

[@nickread354]

Glad to see several shout outs for Misa of Band Maid - individually and collectively they are the most refreshing and exciting musos I’ve seen in decades.

[@ivanshumilov8486]

MISA! MISA!! MISA!!!

[@markberry9233]

Good choices Scott. Glad to see Mohini on your list - I'll be at her live album release party in L. A. next month to see her perform. Also glad to see an honorable mention for Kinga Glyck at the end - she's great. Surprised none of the female bass players from Japan made your list, there are a ton of good ones! Misa from Band-Maid (I've seen her/them several times), Juna Serita (aka The Princess of Funk), Fami from Lovebites, F Chopper Koga from Gacharic Spin, Mina from Girlfriend, Aina from Silent Siren, and Kiyoshi to name a few - they are all worth checking out on YT. Japan has an amazing music scene, and it's mostly female players. I was in Japan last month to see Bridear and Band-Maid (both all-female bands), and I'll be back in Japan in May to see Band-Maid again. Let me know what you think if you check out any of the female Japanese bass players I mentioned, or if you want recco's for any particular song to check out...

[@isnerdy]

Having seen Me'shell Ndegéocello in concert, I can tell you she's absolutely badass. Her name is pronounced Me-shell En-deg-e-o-che-lo.

[@Straight0uttaCrofton]

grew up listening to her in DC

[@ahulin49]

She even has music in her name...