Was Cliff Burton really the ‘GREATEST’ Metallica bass player?

It’s the big question. And every heavy metal fan I’ve met asks it: “Who was the BEST Metallica Bass Player?” Cliff Burton? Jason Newsted? Robert Trujillo? My answer is always the same, and in today’s lesson we’re going to find out!
We’ve also added some of the best Metallica bass lines to a free PDF workbook so you can follow along with all the tab and notation. This is your “mini-masterclass” on heavy metal bass playing!
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===
Video Breakdown:
00:00 - Introduction
01:09 - For Whom the Bell Tolls (Cliff Burton)
01:46 - For Whom the Bell Tolls, Bass Line Breakdown
02:48 - Jason Newsted
03:08 - One (Jason Newsted)
03:27 - The Triplet Pick Technique
04:17 - The Story Behind “...And Justice for All” (What happened to the BASS?)
05:08 - The God That Failed (Jason Newsted)
06:00 - HE F’D UP
06:27 - My Friend of Misery (Jason Newsted)
07:00 - My Friend of Misery, Bass Line Breakdown
07:23 - Some Kind of Monster Documentary
08:45 - Robert Trujillo
10:17 - For Whom the Bell Tolls Live (w/ Robert Trujillo)
11:56 - Sleepwalk My Life Away (Robert Trujillo)
13:01 - Sleepwalk My Life Away, Bass Line Breakdown
14:34 - Who Is Scott’s Favorite?
15:54 - Who Is Ian’s Favorite?
16:21 - Summary
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[@TheSchwanze]

Love all of them but Cliff was *more* than just the bass player in this band - he was the guy turning them onto theory, classical, harmony, arrangement, lyrical inspiration. They moved states just to get him in the band... EDITED - he moved states not *across* the states, my bad - apologies. Not sure how I missed the previous comments on this MONTHS ago, sorry!

[@baltergeistsound8366]

Yep, Cliff's musical influence made Metallica. Bob Rock made them crossover superstars, but Cliff made Metallica Metallica. Nothing after AJFA was as musically interesting.

[@rome8180]

This is exactly what I was going to say. Newstead and Trujillo can obviously play, but neither of them will ever write anything like "Orion." I often wonder what Metallica would be like today if Cliff hadn't died. I think they would have remained much more innovative instead of shifting into mainstream hard rock with the Black Album.

[@carpediemarts705]

Jason and Rob never wrote anything like Orion because they were never allowed to. Great players both, they were hired on to keep the band playing. And nothing they were allowed to record has ever really stood out in music or bass playing. They each were allowed to light the candle in homage every show for Cliff but never really allowed to shine nor upstage James. Like a thousand bass players, their job was to shut up, smile, and back up The Band.

[@ReedsRedactions]

@@rome8180 There's not really a fair comparison between these guys. Although Jason did actually write an incredible song that was [in my opinion] just as good as Orion, but it ended up getting hacked up and turned into the much less impactful song "My Friend of Misery" (watch Cunning Stunts to see the original). Granted, Jason didn't write as many gems as Cliff, but I also don't think Cliff would have fit in with the style of later albums either. Can you honestly picture Cliff playing in the Black album, or Load or Reload? Even if he did, I'm sure most people would agree that it wouldn't have had nearly as much impact on the world that it did with Jason. It's like comparing apples and oranges.

[@bdwitt66]

That actually only moved about a 6-7 hour drive from Southeast LA and Orange Counties to San Francisco, not cross country.

[@kassemir]

Jason Newsted is kind of underrated. A thing people tend to forget is that he did backing vocals with James and it sounded amazing. On top of that he was an amazing hype man for the audience on a lot of songs as well. They don't really have that today, Kirk and Rob have both taken vocal lessons to try and fill that role, but it doesn't even come close.

[@FlankinspanK]

all true. Newsted was legit and he upped the ante

[@dreamofyouandi]

I literally promise you people don’t forget about his backing vocals. It was his #1 contribution to the band. What people don’t know is that Cliff did them too, and well.

[@bdwitt66]

Jason is the only one who also had a level of frontman presence. Frequently taking over lead vocals on early Metallica songs.

[@Ehrmann_Gregsson]

@@bdwitt66 Which is really awesome. Would be nice to hear his lead vocals on the albums as well

[@devinebass]

Absolutely, Jason Newsted brought a unique energy to Metallica, both with his bass playing and his backing vocals. He added a special dynamic to their live performances that's hard to replicate. 🎸🤘

[@zzzleepyhead9101]

Another crazy thing for us all to remember is that Cliff was only 24 when he died. Had he had the oportunity to spend another few decades honing and devloping his craft, God knows where that sound wouls have been 🔥🤘

[@ronverb4467]

Agreed 100%

[@Taxevader-gk9ms]

and if Jason and Robert were aloud to turn their volume up past 1 they would be more recognized for their talent for bass

[@MasterofLightning]

Exactly! He was a very young man and so damn talented. Beyond the pure technicality, he was a transcendent player for the time. A heavy metal bassist playing leads and commanding the stage in the way he did was unheard of. Also, I think there's a strong argument that Orion's bass solo is THE best Metallica solo. It's so beautiful.

[@AceMcshred]

Cliff had the technical abilties and the music theory, Jason had the tone and aggression, Rob is inbetween the 2 of them and has a groove element he brings. They're all great in their own way.

[@devinebass]

💯💯💯

[@Villani_AV]

I love Jason, but Cliff's tone was untouchable, Jason def tried for a bit before the black album

[@joehobbs3277]

I like all of the bass players in Metallica I honestly think to fill cliffs shoes is something that just cant be done no matter what bass player comes in rob has done lots with suicidal tendencies and infectious grooves Jason definatly had the hardest job but everyone played a huge part in Metallica

[@meshzzizk]

rob is a vastly more technically capable player than cliff was. no disrespect to the dead, but just objectively speaking it’s not even close

[@Villani_AV]

@meshzzizk I would expect that, Cliff died at 24, I was half the player at 24 that I am now at 33. We'll never know his potential, but we do know Rob is an absolute beast 🤘

[@michaellorenz7177]

The lack of bass on "...and Justice..." was disappointing considering how much bass was on "Garage Days Re-revisited". Jason sounded like a monster on that EP.

[@devinebass]

💯💯💯

[@alejandroramirez4470]

need to listen to that whole EP then

[@gregmeir]

That was death of that album

[@mikeb1378]

i don't get the bass argument.. every stereo has a bass knob.. crank it

[@gregmeir]

@mikeb1378 it's on the mix it don't work that way

[@celesgjr]

Jason for me. I will always remember his bass tone and attack in the 5.98 Garage EP - that was phenomenal.

[@morgellon7877]

Yeah, the fact his bass is so distinct on that release kind of undermines the claimed his bass was turned down intentionally on Justice just to haze him. I think it was just a bad mix. I'm personally not a fan of the garage days mix because the guitars just sound way too distorted and scooped, but the bass does sound great. I actually love the sound of Justice, but it would be nice if they put at least some bottom end. The mixes I've heard where you can clearly hear the mid range of his bass just don't sound great to me.

[@crucial800]

My friend used to pump the bass up through his subs in his car and blast...And Justice For All. It was bad ass

[@amilcarvalenca3381]

Completely agree

[@glitchmatrix666]

Love garage days

[@holleyroberts6702]

Yes my favorite Metallica Jason rocked 💪

[@leonwaksberg1415]

Jason was like a co-frontman with James. So much energy, amazing at working the crowd, great backing singer. Metallica were a better live band with Jason than before or since

[@mikeb1378]

:S what? he didn't even do a bass solo or a take one and he still has all of his teeth

[@w.j.vanoosterom8880]

Best Albums where made with Cliff not Jason .

[@BenCDaugherty]

For those who don’t know, cliff used the Morley power fuzz wah. Wah circuit and fuzz in one! Two pedals in one box. The fuzz is BEFORE the wah in the circuit which makes the wah very vocal and aggressive . Hope this helps!

[@devinebass]

Thanks for sharing that insight! It's always great to learn more about the gear and techniques that shaped legendary bass players like him. 🎸👍

[@mikeb1378]

he had two wahs one for filt... oh haha i just read, yeah what you said ROFL

[@martyrocks2091]

It's got to be Cliff for me! Claypool auditioned after Cliff's death. Newsted got the gig. I'm old enough to have seen Metallica with Cliff, two weeks before he went. The band were so young, Hetfield had his arm in cast due to skateboarding accident... Trujillo is awesome. But he's been in Metallica for longer than Cliff had even been playing bass. Could you imagine what a player Burton would have been if he had the ensuing decades to really hone his skills... May he rest in peace.

[@devinebass]

Cliff's impact on bass and music in general is timeless, and his memory continues to inspire bass players everywhere. 🎸🤘

[@dagony7383]

Saw Metallica in '83 back home in Brooklyn at l'amours rock club so I've seen cliff also,plus it was Dave's last show,got his bus ticket the next morning

[@martyrocks2091]

@@dagony7383 I was 14 and on another continent from Metallica in 1983. Could only watch from afar and follow the reports in Kerrang magazine. 1986 was their first time in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿, I believe. Saw them in Edinburgh.

[@DanielGammelgaard]

My father saw them on that same tour, in Denmark just shortly before he died in the bus crash in Sweden.. I've seem them three times in the Trujillo era, and he is the best living man for the job, but Cliff was so much more. There's a reason I have a Rickenbacker and his fist with the skullring tatooed on my leg!

[@benmorris6831]

Claypool didn't fit what was needed.

[@JustPlayingBass]

I'm with the Jason group. His bass sound (when allowed) was top notch. His playing style, as a fellow bass player, was perfect for the music. Rob and Cliff were and are, fabulous, for me JN all day long.

[@aaronhenderson84]

Jason is underrated. It's a shame they took his bass out of AJFA... But at the same time that was just proof of how poorly the band treated him at the time. He is a great musician on his own.

[@leagueofotters2774]

Did Jason every write anything for metallica?

[@kjh1227]

​@leagueofotters2774 Newsted is credited for having writing input for 3 Metallica songs; Blackened, My Friend of Misery and Where the Wild Things Are as per Wiki

[@unETHical_detailer]

My frie d of misery is a crazy melodic riff which he turns into solos. Binge and purge set has alot of and justice live with newstead shining through or cunning stunts you can hear it alot better

[@jeffreylebowski7459]

My Friend of Misery was supposed to be the next Metallica instrumental, according to an interview I saw with Jason. I think James and Lars were still too insecure to let it happen and took it in another direction altogether. I like Cliff better because of how he expanded the band’s musical horizons, but with his energy and love for the music, Jason is a close second. Robert, I could take or leave. He’s talented and energetic, but is kinda run-of-the-mill at the same time.

[@AngryShellback]

Cliff was an awesome musician, great bass player, and a true metal fan... He is missed.

[@alexanderhexforge3567]

No lies there.

[@Thewiz666]

Newsted is the one for me overall, esp live. He was the guy that got the crowd worked up way better than Hetfield ever did. Hell, their HoF induction got him the biggest ovation of the night as well. He could just do it all imo.

[@mikeb1378]

he also let them sell out... mic drop

[@ryanhall7607]

@@mikeb1378let them? He quit because he wasn’t allowed creative input

[@mikeb1378]

🤪what? @@ryanhall7607 where do you come up with this stuff? I think you mean creative output because he wasn't allowed to start his own band Echobrain outside of Metallica kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5-kd6eHnbWGgcUsi=5CKJpLebzw79beoa there's been alot said about how they pushed Jason to have more input, James used to turn his back to him when they were jammin so Jason couldn't just copy and had to come up with something different. don't... ah forget it, i'm obviously talking to a door knob 🤣😩

[@ryanhall7607]

@@mikeb1378 James wrote a lot of the bass and lead guitar parts for Load and Reload especially, shutting Jason and to a lesser degree Kirk out of the songwriting process. Lars and Kirk largely had control of the visual style and elements of the band. But sure, Jason let them sell out…

[@mikeb1378]

@@ryanhall7607 I wonder if they knew at the time like when they said they were just doing the next thing Metallica would do I think they were lying. They knew the black album was easier to stomach and more suitable for everyone (a wider audience). I can't recall one thrash song on it but its been decades since I heard it

[@Longy_b]

The bass tracks from And Justice For All are still about and there are plenty of mixes on KZbin with enhanced bass (And Justice For Jason). Highly recommend giving them a listen! The album sounds so much better. Dyers Eve bass isolated track is just ferocious

[@carpediemarts705]

A recent (this week) ai version of MoP with Dave Mustangs voice has Cliffs tone mixed up front like we never got to hear before. Even Cliff was buried in the Hetallica mix.

[@devinebass]

Definitely need to check them out! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@kevinwillems8720]

​@@devinebassthey're so good, the album sounds complete now

[@VegasLoungeAct]

I did my own personal remix/remaster of the entire album to increase the bass. I uploaded every song on my channel. 🤘

[@carpediemarts705]

@@VegasLoungeAct having forgotten reading comprehension, I searched your whole channel list for Master of Puppets with enhanced bass. Lot of videos. Make a playlist or 2

[@VAustin89]

Love Jason's solo project and dude can freaking sing.

[@devinebass]

💯💯💯

[@andrepaul3483]

I'm a Jason Newsted guy myself. I mean,he's the reason on why I'm finally jumping into bass playing. But Cliff is a god. Like,damn. He handles the bass like an electric guitar and I LOVE it!

[@RatBotEins]

NEVER FORGET, Rob also played in Jerry Cantrell's Degradation Trip albums, which are absolute gems. Such a versatile player.

[@devinebass]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@nickvickers3486]

Yes they were great albums. I saw Metallica near the start of Rob's tenure at Reading and they were awesome. And I think when I saw Ozzy, Rob was doing the bass!

[@RatBotEins]

@@nickvickers3486 Yeah I believe that all three of them were playing with Ozzy at that time, but my timeline could be a bit wrong. Rob, Jerry, and Mike Bordin.

[@nicorepetto5781]

8:14 Scott Reeder is one of my favorite bass players of all time. His basslines, attack, and sense of groove in Kyuss are absolutely incredible

[@devinebass]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@AspiringSpaceWizard]

Gardenia is such a good track

[@banjomechanic]

There was something very different in the songs Metallica came up with when Cliff was there. I think he contributed immensely to the orchestration of the songs and sound. There may be no bass in …And Justice For All, but you can hear plenty of Jason’s bass in the $5.95 EP Garage Days they put out after acquiring him. And it is absolutely astounding. To this day that is probably one of my most listened to albums of Metallica. Not tracked, but recorded live in studio. Just killer.

[@terrylemis2497]

Like the late great Dimebag once said, its not what you play, its how your playing makes people feel and cliff’s playing made you feel what he was playing and there will NEVER be another bass player like that and the greatest instrumental that there will EVER be is Orion. Every time I hear it, it puts me in a place that I can’t describe but one thing I do know is that it will hit you in your bones. R. I.P. Cliff, you will be greatly missed forever my friend.💀

[@beaumanikoth9142]

Dead musicians tend to get more praises than live ones...even if they weren't that great. That's just the human psyche.

[@devinebass]

Absolutely, Cliff had a unique way of connecting with listeners through his bass playing, and "Orion" is a masterpiece that continues to touch the hearts of many. 🎸💥🤘

[@IronDio698]

I couldn’t agree more. Have you listened to the live cut of Orion on the Through the Never concert album? Rob on bass, but the production is unbelievable.

[@stroberdolb9183]

Dimes playing made me feel like: "damn!! ... this guy needs better tone!"

[@daniellysohirka4258]

@@beaumanikoth9142 Perfect song, my favorite of all time. I can loop it all day.

[@kevgamble]

Burton was absolutely the greatest bass visionary in the band. He was like a Chris Squire or Jack Bruce, bringing a unique voice and musical concept all his own into his genre, and the genre has really been poorer without him. It's hard to picture him in the MTV band they became, but I've no doubt he would have done great things musically with or without them. Newsted - what an absolutely perfect bassist for what the band needed at the time and then evolved into. He rode through so many stylistic changes and nailed every one of them. He brought a tough, rock-first sensibility to the band that made them better and has, IMO, been lacking since. Trujillo's terrific, but his function in the music is so reduced compared to his predecessors that as a listener, there isn't much there to hang a hat on. The formula is so strong around him that the bass feels like it's just kind of there. Mix issues aside, it felt like with Burton & Newsted, we got to hear their full-on talent and style. With Trujillo, it doesn't feel like we're getting to.

[@I.O.M.]

100% Metallica wouldn't be the band they are if Cliff wasn't there. Love Jason and Robert but I feel the band never had/has fully embraced them and their talents.

[@rome8180]

I don't think Metallica would have become the "MTV band" with Cliff there. He was too creative and exerted too much compositional influence for that. Even though he was already dead, you can still feel his influence hanging over And Justice for All. I think they would continued in that direction, and I wish they had. Instead, they went full mainstream with the Black Album and never looked back. They don't have the musical understanding to write something like Master of Puppets again even if they wanted to -- not without Cliff.

[@carpediemarts705]

​@@I.O.M.if Cliff was one of your personal best friends and went with you from nothing to one of the best metal bands ever, would you ever feel the same? Cliff taught them attitude. They looked up to him. Once he was dead, it was the blackness and pain in their hearts that fueled the band. And without him they needed BobRock to teach them how to be a top40 rockband and do the powerful show they do to this day.

[@devinebass]

You've beautifully captured the unique contributions of each bassist in Metallica's history. It's incredible how they each added their own flavor to the band's evolution. 🎸🤘

[@chrischoir3594]

lol

[@ReedsRedactions]

Newsted was criminally underrated. He had the absolute best sound and heart out of all Metallica bassists. You felt every note with Jason's bass lines. * Edit: Cliff and Rob were (and are) awesome players in their own right, but Jason will always be the winner for me.

[@Atlas65]

Criminally overrated. I see nothing but comments on youtube that Newsted ws the greatest. His back vocals and all that jazz. Which I think is strange because I remember listening to him harmonize with Hetfield on Cuninng Stunts in Nothing Else Matters, hearing was out of pitch, thinking to my self (this guy really sucks a a vocalist, he can not hold a tune) This was back when I was a fan, and hardly knew about Cliff.

[@ReedsRedactions]

@@Atlas65 I'm sorry, but Cliff is the one that's overrated. The guy was certainly a skilled player, but he didn't really have a solid foundation like Jason and Rob. It almost seems like he was more interested in shredding on the bass, rather than just filling in the songs with a hard hitting groove or rhythm. That being said, Orion remains to be one of the greatest songs of all time, but his playing style wouldn't have meshed with the 90's era Metallica. I don't think Metallica would even be where they are today without Jason.

[@warburgaby]

great Newsted, totally agree with you

[@truthhurts79]

You must of not heard Orion

[@kevinmichael9482]

@@ReedsRedactions Agree! Metallica were wise choosing Jason. They had their pick of prospective bassist and could've failed. Jason's passion and energy helped Metallica reach new heights.

[@MrTumnus1987]

The opportunity to have that Wal bass tone on Blackened in that studio was missed. That tone is utterly godly!

[@devinebass]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@leagueofotters2774]

Wait....there was bass on AJFA?

[@4md17]

and jason wrote the main riff for blackened on bass...

[@MrEyesof9]

You guys together are so much fun, it changes up the "lesson" vibe to more of a "just hanging out" vibe. Thanks!

[@ianlong7988]

Les Claypool auditioned after Cliff's death. VH1's behind the music tells the story. James said that "he was too good".

[@andrewlwatts]

Also of note, Les Claypool and Kirk Hammett are friends going back to high school. Whether his audition was serious or not, it's was at least an excuse to hang out with and jam with his friend.

[@ianlong7988]

@@andrewlwatts very good point.

[@lockharthorsburgh8601]

If you want to hear Claypool in a metal band, he was on the only album released by Blind Illusion (where he met Larry Lalonde), "The Sane Asylum", released about 18 months before the first Primus album. The closest to a "standard" Bay Area thrash track on the album is probably "Smash the Crystal", but it still has some ridiculous bass lines (shame about the low-budget recording).

[@devinebass]

Les Claypool's audition must have been quite a showstopper! It's fascinating to hear how different musicians crossed paths with Metallica. 🎸🤘

[@TheInvisibleMan420]

He was being silly. Les Claypool is not better than Cliff Burton.

[@jefferyharharwood]

Jason was my guy. Listen to his first Voivod record, his Gov't Mule song to see what he had to offer. He was restricted in Metallic a as much as I love them. And "Wherever I May Roam" is still one of my favorite bass performances

[@mikeb1378]

check out krakatau or billy sheehan, primus... even the guy from nickelback sounds as tough as wherever i may roam

[@vagdim69]

I need this PDF Workbook! Great video guys - i always enjoy watching

[@ron_gerson]

Guys, this episode was fantastic! Out of all the great content you've done, I would have to say this is definitely in the top three BEST EVER! Your personalities are really starting to vibe, and I love the different perspectives from you both. Congratulations :-)

[@mattiasjp]

I think Garage Days Revisited EP is very forgotten when we talk about Jason Newsted. Sure it’s a bunch of cover songs, but he plays great on it.

[@snakeeyes3733]

Les Claypool auditioned for Cliff's replacement and asked the band if they knew any Isley Brothers tunes 😂

[@devinebass]

🤣🤣🤣

[@davidkilpatrick7547]

😂 lmmfao4r! Les is not only a bad ass bassist but hes got a great sense of humor. The first time I ever heard primus was from frizzle fry on 7 grams of shrooms and ive been hooked ever since.

[@wilfredovazquez2942]

Great video guys. Like always. Cliff was an innovator at his time, Rob is the most complete of all three, but the sound and personality of Jason was insane. I think he was underappreciated in the band and for me Jason was the "perfect fit" for Metallica.

[@leagueofotters2774]

yeah, it seems as though the rest of metallica didn't think he was the perfect fit however

[@SJ-ty5rw]

To be honest Rob is a bit overrated in comparison to Cliff . Cliff was only 24 .. when he passed and already contributed some of the best instrumentals , to date for the band . And of course very skilled on his instrument . Rob only brings skill to what he's playing . He's brought nothing amazing to the band since 2004 . Not bashing him but he's not on Cliff's level creatively . That being said Jason was unique to the band for his stage power and energy . And deserves credit all the way

[@redacted2275]

​@@leagueofotters2774"It seems"? They bullied Jason throughout his entire career on Metallica... they even acknowledge nowadays that they took it too far.

[@redacted2275]

​@@SJ-ty5rwRob is great but not for Metallica. On Infectious Grooves Rob's a beast, I'll never forget the first time I heard "Violent & Funky" on MTV... technically he can play all of Metallica's songs but I don't find him a good fit.

[@eazlacfam]

Lifelong Metallica fan and enjoyed this video thoroughly. We all know it’s all about Cliff Love the new series of videos. The style, editing, and energy are spectacular

[@dannybos7024]

Cliff: what the music needed Jason: what the fans needed Rob: what the band needed They're all so amazing.

[@Atlas65]

I'm a fan and I am all for what the music needs. So Cliff hands down. (I still got into Metallica during the Jason era) But in retrospect. Cliff burried Jason in all ways.

[@Terrible_Peril]

that's actually.. perfect. and beautiful to boot!

[@helpimadog-speedruns8606]

Ron McGovney: hE bAreLy OwNeD a BaSs!!!!

[@carpediemarts705]

​@@helpimadog-speedruns8606awww you didn't have to go there

[@devinebass]

Love that! 🧡

[@Paussl]

Trujillo can easily hold on with both Cliff and Jason era bass lines. He's honestly the most versatile out of these three guys.

[@kevgamble]

I think any of the three of them could play any bass line from any era. The bass lines have only gotten simpler with time.

[@markwarner5554]

Trujillo could play all of their parts.

[@Kitt_the_Katt]

Most versatile, yes. Still not quite Cliff level.

[@devlintaylor9520]

Kinda wish he wasnt in metallica so he had more musical freedom. Hes to good for them

[@truthhurts79]

​@@markwarner5554but he isn't a pioneer like Cliff you come lately 😂

[@diracio]

Awesome video, thanks to all involved!

[@anthonygreen6219]

Im a fan of all three. They all brought something that the band needed. All three are amazing players.

[@filippomessori5065]

Cliff was some kind of a leader for the band, a great musician, and a pigmalion. Newsted was a hard working, unbreakable guy, that could cover everything a did the same things in downstroke as hetfield, but with the bass. Rob is a wonderful pro, super skilled with the bass, the right guy now. They always had the best

[@mikaeldalgas-hansen691]

Jason was it for me. He held it together like no one else and his backing vocals were top tier

[@jiboo6850]

"he held it together liek no one else" hum sorry but Cliff was far more interesting soundwise than Jason. Cliff was good at backing vocals too. so avoid to say such thing. you prefer him? ok but don't say what you said. because it's plain wrong.

[@mikaeldalgas-hansen691]

@@jiboo6850 Cliff did not do vocals nearly as comprehensively well as Jason. His bass sound didn't fill Metallica's sound as much as Jason's did. Cliff was extremely unique by contrast. Dont tell me what I can and cannot say

[@jiboo6850]

@@mikaeldalgas-hansen691 you wrong. deal with it. like i said. if you prefer him that's your right. but he didn't do a better job than Cliff PERIOD.

[@mikaeldalgas-hansen691]

@@jiboo6850 You sound like a child. Cliff being better is not fact.

[@axelvoss951]

This video is so much fun! Thank you

[@sbentsen2714]

You may have heard it by now, but there does exist some mixes on KZbin if you look up "and justice for Jason" or "and Jason for all" something like that, sounds killer

[@aaronw8781]

All three are/were fantastic players and brought their own unique styles into Metallica’s music.

[@devinebass]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@petebrown3715]

Well gentlemen - I'm old enough to say I lived through and have seen all 3 bass players live. Cliff was so well schooled but so aggressive especially live and BTW Cliff did play guitar and contribute to the writing and arrangements of the songs on Ride and Master. I would know because I grew up as a teen with Cliff. Jason was a ball of energy live and solid in studio but, Rob is the amalgamation of Cliff and Jason. So all three are great in their own way. Rob is so deep in the pocket, very technical and his vibe and presence is awesome. I've seen Metallica live 11 times from 1985, 2x in 1986, 1988, 1991, 2004,2009, 2017,2021,2023.

[@paolopesare3566]

If you Heard Cliff Burton live you are a lucky dude, there are very few videos of Cliff playing live 😮 btw I agree with your analysis

[@AfroRedMusic]

Loved this episode and the technical insight to the basslines as always!!! You guys should check out Deftones earlier work (from Around the Fur thru Saturday Night Wrist) some KILLIN bass lines and amazing tone from the late Chi Cheng! Much love from Detroit 🔥

[@M2Mil7er]

Favourite may be a better word. Honestly, there's a lot to love about all those guys. Cliff was very innovative, and was the "best" writer IMO, Rob is probably the "best" all round player in terms of genre and technique, and Jason was like a nuclear warhead, completely pushed Metallica's energy levels after Cliff passing, but he really paid the price, bless him.

[@devinebass]

Absolutely, each of them brought their unique strengths to the table, making them all special in their own way. It's great to appreciate the different flavors they added to Metallica's journey. 🎸🤘

[@Andyanddiana467]

I love Cliff, Jason, and Rob, but of the three, my favorite was Newsted - I loved his tone, attack, and response. He was also more of a traditional bass player, in that he was more Kick-Snare-Hat-root oriented, which I personally prefer. YMMV.

[@devinebass]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@bynosaurus4024]

i love how you can hear rob's past mixed in with his solos, like his intro to for whom oozes the same vibe that infectious grooves had

[@Rok_Piletic]

Cliff was not just a bass player he was a composer and a musician that made Metallica stand out ... that no one had replaced and from that time on they became a garage band

[@kadauz173]

Metallica was the reason I started playing bass in my teens. And "My Friend of Misery" was the first Bass Riff I learned to play.

[@lothar34]

Cliff was the most unique and innovative. Miles ahead of anyone of his era. That being said, Rob is by far the most versatile bassist in metal. From classical to bluegrass to whatever. He can play Metallica tunes standing on his head. Zero challenge

[@liammcmahon6039]

I’ve been loving the videos recently

[@devinebass]

Great to hear dude! Thanks for supporting the channel!

[@yoshiobermeyer2867]

huge thanks for that pick advice!

[@devinebass]

👍👍👍

[@mrseaweed88]

I think what made cliff stand out is his ability to make interesting melodic basd parts that were almost like a separate lead section

[@efwewfwef1549]

EXACTLY!!!!

[@mikeb1378]

yeah, he played bass

[@christophercheney1006]

The most important thing with Cliff is the writing, the intro to "Damage Inc" that epic intro, made me want to create a wall of sound. And...and that's after the monster known as "Orion", which is Cliffs epic. Also, it must be said. Hetfield and Ulrich, minus a "producer," will turn the bass off. Not the biggest Rick Rubin fan, but at least you could hear Trujillo's addition to the band, serious bounce on "Death Magnetic"

[@justinkey4895]

Cliff was the reason I first picked up a bass. I love everything about how he approached bass playing and composing. I first learned about Trujillo when in the early 90s, a band I was in wanted to cover Violent and Funky by Infections Grooves. It was the only time a band I was in couldn't cover a song and it was my fault. I was an instant fan of his. When he joined Metallica, I thought that was perfect. Jason has grown on me as the years go on. And if you listen to And Justice For Jason, you'll actually hear how badass he was on the Justice album. Dude is amazing and was done dirty on that album. Bob Rock's biggest win with this band was arguably making sure that didn't happen again on The Black Album.

[@Aureas133]

Having visited 2 of the m72 concerts lately, Rob really stood out. My god what a beefy, juicy sound and absolutely spotless. And I kind of like his 'lets have fun'-attitude.

[@ResidentRob]

Newsted was actually was my favorite, I think his playing from the Black album - Reload was really crisp and melodic.

[@devinebass]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@user-hv6yf9zs9z]

cliff is better

[@mikebrueggman6666]

The differences between Cliff, Jason, and Rob were that Cliff was the greatest musician, whereas Jason was the greatest performer/stageman, and Rob is the greatest bassist. If you don't know what I mean, Cliff had the best compositional skills of the 3, writing the most music for the band. Jason was the best one to see live, as he brought a different energy to the shows that nobody else in Metallica has. Rob is the greatest bassist, as seen with his work in Infectious Grooves, Suicidal Tendencies, with Ozzy, and in other projects proves his technical prowess. Personally, I think Jason was their best in the role of bassist, if not for his prowess, which let's be honest, is insane as is, then absolutely his stage presence.

[@devinebass]

You've made a great point about the unique strengths of each bassist in Metallica. They each brought something special to the table, making the band's journey even more diverse and exciting. 🎸🤘

[@bdoney77]

But I remember Suicidal Tendencies, n Infectious Grooves n hearing R Trujillio in the mid 90's was blown away on not just the bass playing but the whole 2 bands. Check out Suicidal Tendencies, and Infecious Grooves.. great music n for the time.. great video guys..!!!!!!

[@servantofruin]

heeeyy, first time here I’m sorry if this has been asked before but whats the glove for? to help hand/fretboard visibility? 🧐

[@jasonmcnally9781]

What a great video guys. All monsters. I’ve always been such a Newsted fan. Dont really know why. Maybe cause he sings backup and I wish i could lol. One thing Metallica got wrong…….they never knew what they had with that guy or how they could have used him. Love seeing how happy and successful he is and how he never let himself get bitter or resentful. Dudes an inspiration in many ways. Imagine being in the biggest band in the world and they turn you down to -11. How’s that convo go when your friends and family hear the album. I’d have been flippin tables. Newsted🤘”and it aint for fuckin sandwiches”😎

[@elflakeador09]

Cliff Burton all day long, no questions asked.

[@devinebass]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@pickmeasinner]

I came out on stage for my pose routine at a bodybuilding show to "my friend of misery". Hitting the poses as the guitars come in. Went down well!

[@drewskiee9254]

If you have headphones you can hear Jason on Blackened and during part of the chorus on One

[@aafisher100]

Love Jason. He was the best replacement for Cliff but Cliff is all the way the best Metallica bassist. But he was a songwriter more than just the bassist. Orion is the perfect example to showcase his talents and one of the best insturmentals in metal ever.

[@coldvoid]

Cliff = so much more than just a bass player.

[@luciano496]

I think people forget how young he was when he passed away and just how good he was already.. I really miss him . Imagine how good he be now ..I just missed seeing him when they opened for OZZY.. Seen them 15 times starting in 86

[@devinebass]

Absolutely, Cliff Burton was incredibly talented and had so much potential. His influence on bass playing and Metallica's music is undeniable, and he's dearly missed by fans around the world. 🎸🤘

[@miketothefitz]

I love Scott’s accent on “He’s got got the WAHR WAHR on” I’m cracking up xD

[@peteredwards2318]

Cliff was Metallica. Everything his influenced touched, even And Justice For All, during the writing of which, everyone in the band was still raw from his loss and thinking about him more than themselves, had his essence all over it. The method of composition, the feel and themes and flavours in the songs, he was the driving force behind all of it. When his influence stopped being in the middle of everything they were doing, Metallica stopped being Metallica, and started being something else entirely, a different creature, wearing its rotting skin to hide its hollowness.

[@themadmattster9647]

Completely agree even if I occasionally like The Black Album it’s not the same

[@cp_lightstang166]

maybe jsut a little harsh, but overall I agree with 85% of what you're saying. The music, writing, aggression all changed drastically when Cliff was no longer around. Imagine what Metallica would sound like now 30-40 years later if Cliff had been around this whole time.

[@redacted2275]

Sort of... Jason said in multiple interviews that he had no direction or even a brainstorm about his part in "AJFA"... he was the rookie not wanting to overstep and with big shoes to fill, that's why he plays his lines very closely to James' guitar lines. It was just him and the engineer in the studio recording the bass. "AJFA" already has more James and Lars than Cliff: sometimes it sounds self-indulgent because of that.

[@chadwicks_guitar]

Infectious Grooves!!! Sarsipious, you dummy!! Where’s my hair stylist!!! 🦎😂🦎😂🦎😂🦎😂

[@404social]

You know, its great to hear Jason getting some love from other bass players. Jason was the reason i picked up bass and joined a band when i was a kid. I wasnt very good but, i still have my Reggie Hamilton siganture fender that i got at the local guitar store, and man that thing can rip through some tallica tracks. I think Metallica is one of the few bands who can honestly say that everyone loved what each of the bass players brought to the party.

[@stevenpape2021]

Nice idea for a series. Could you do one on, "Who was the best bassist in King Crimson and why it's John Wetton."

[@lsh3991]

Robert Trujillo no question.

[@lsh3991]

To clarify - Newstead era, for me, they had the best material. But Robert is such a better bassist, and overall musician than either of the other two.

[@devinebass]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@4md17]

in metallica???? hell no

[@not_joe2298]

Cliff Burton all day long

[@devinebass]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@B---tw3kh]

I love them all, they all crush it on the albums they're on, and the albums they're on wouldn't sound the same without them. For all their strengths, they're all so unique and fit their respective runs so well. Cliff was an innovator and original talent, perfect for that early era. Jason was rock solid and held down an incredible low end on the bands less extreme and more experimental work, bur never compromised his attitude doing it. And Rob has been contributing his own unique flavour ever since, adding an old school vibe but with that funk and worldliness that comes from his long stints with other artists. All so unique but great additions to Metallica

[@ThrashRebel]

The strings Burton used made it so much easier to solo on bass. I strung my J-bass up with the same type of strings he used (Roto Sound 66 Swing Bass, medium-light gauge). They GROWL! I love them. Also, I strung my '79 Epiphone Genesis bass with Roto Sound Steve Harris flatwounds. They, also, growl and are much brighter than any other flatwounds I've used. I think I am sold on Roto Sound. 👍🏻

[@devinebass]

That's awesome to hear you're loving those Roto Sound strings! It's all about finding the right gear to make your bass sing. Keep on grooving! 🎶👍🏻

[@Lycaon1349]

Cliff Burton. Zero contest.

[@devinebass]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@Groovemyster]

How many people paused on the hair photos? 😅

[@devinebass]

🤣🤣🤣

[@lifeblood06]

This was very entertaining to watch

[@thereluv168]

Yes, And he was only coming into his own as a songwriter as well. I often wonder how things would have panned out had that day never come. I had tickets to see them on the Master tour at the concert hall in Toronto but James broke his arm. They were to return months later but then we lost Cliff and I recall the shock when told as I rummaged through my high school locker. Cliff was my first time experiencing the heartache of losing a musical mentor, For whom the bell toll's was my first Metallica bass lesson, Play tape stop tape rewind tape etc etc thanks Cliff.

[@galdarion832]

Newsted all day long. In my opinion, Newsted kept the band going. After Cliffs death, I think Metallica would have fizzled if it weren’t for Jason’s essence being in the band.

[@drew004jc]

I hate lars

[@devinebass]

🙈🙈🙈

[@jcburn1973]

Probably already covered but I'll go anyway.... Black Album predominantly recorded with black Spector NS2 and '58 P Bass. And some of Newsteds bass stems for ...AJFA are available to hear on KZbin - Blackened, title track, One and Shortest Straw I believe. They sound very much like what he was playing at the time....Alembic basses into GK amps. Great upload guys.

[@user-yg7el2hj8j]

It's completely out of question that Cliff was a GENIUS in ALL what he was doing !!! Rest in Peace Master !!!

[@danepresley7851]

All 3 are amazing and fit in perfectly

[@TheRealCeeJai]

Loved the video, but never saw y'all's channel before. Can I ask why does Scott have a glove on his left hand? Is it for technique reasons or something else?

[@AnnoyingOrange420]

He has a neurological issue that causes hand twitching, the glove reduces it

[@alanomie]

This was the first song I ever tried to learn Cliff em All on VHS.

[@IronDio698]

More classic metal on SBL….please! This is great!

[@devinebass]

Noted dude! 📝🔥

[@PerezBroz-p5o]

Something I’ve never seen anyone connect the dots on is that Newstead’s intro to ‘Misery’ is the same notes to Burtons intro to his ‘Anesthesia’ bass solo. Cliff does ascending notes Jason plays them descending in a bit of a varied pattern but it’s the same!!!

[@ericbrintonmusic]

4:10 thats why I adopted Geddy's flick method, its much more articulate, closer to getting a picked sound especially if your nail is grown out properly, and then allows for the versatility of finger style

[@devinebass]

🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@reedsegovia4283]

I love you guys... Especially this intro

[@Gustavarium333]

Hey dudes!!! Don't you ever plan to try a BC Rich? My favorite is Warlock... Haven't heard about Ics Vortex???

[@j.r.huffnstuff3549]

If you look up the Guitar Hero Metallica stems you can hear Jason's bass kicking ass. In fact, a few people on youtube have made 'remixes' using those stems. Hearing full bass on AJFA is glorious.

[@Dunkelzeitgeist]

I'm no Metallica fan, but Cliff and bell tolls where huge inspirations on me as a teen

[@tanktuba]

The first time I saw Metallica was the Day on the Green clip you showed of Cliff. I've seen all three bass players multiple times and Cliff is the best. He was mesmerizing and you couldn't stop watching him.

[@devinebass]

Cliff Burton had an undeniable stage presence and charisma that left a lasting impact on fans. He truly was a legendary bassist, and his performances continue to inspire bass players and music lovers worldwide. 🤘🎸

[@ravagebuilds6674]

Cliffs lead tone at the Lyceum theater was nuts.

[@auslanderbassmusic]

Shortest 16 minutes in my life! Jason was my first Metallica bass player - because of an Black album. God that failed and Friend of misery were an eye opener for me, on how to use one more instrument in a band as an whole different instrument. Naturally, later I discovered Metallica had an other bass player before Jason. His style blew me of! He taught me how not to play all in a root notes. Nowadays, I'm impressed with Roberts work - man is a beast and hard working guy. But also, as it can be seen from different videos and interviews - inspiration for a band to always moving forward!

[@andrewpappas9311]

Cliff is one of my absolute favourite bass players, the dude was a fucking beast and has such an insane style and a huge inspiration on me and why I play a Rickenbacker. Also regarding Ian’s comment on Les Claypool he was actually asked by Kirk to try out when they were looking for people to replace Cliff since he and Les were buddies from school, but the thing was Les had never heard anything from Metallica so he didn’t know that Bell Tolls started with bass (there was a whole exchange between him and the band like “Why don’t you play it?” “Why don’t YOU play it?”). He then proceeded to jokingly suggest an Isley Brothers song to jam on but didn’t make it because nobody got his joke (and that he was “too good” according to James) so then they brought on Jason and the rest is history because Les went on to create the beautifully awesome clusterfuck that is Primus

[@JustinSucks]

i cant express how much i love this channel man. these 2 guys are so fun and im not even a bassist, im a drummer! and i have these videos playing in my background while i practice

[@devinebass]

Glad to hear that you're digging the channel! Thanks for the warm words!

[@EdDeAlbernaz]

My favorite things about Newsted were his attitude and when he took over vocals.... man... the aggressiveness in his vocals was amazing and suited the band so well!!

[@vraza14]

A small correction: on For whom the Bell Tolls, after the chromatic walk (G string 19-18-17-16), Cliff does a quick pull off from (G 19/16)

[@clintonerasmus9355]

When you lose a cliff, you are lost, no... The gods sent a man named Jason newsted,strong enough to carry a band like mattalica and tough enough to survive the bull.... Jason deserves his own movie