Greatest metal bassists

[@reload5593]

I am glad that all 3 Metallicats made it.

[@Spitson7771]

I’m so glad Steve from death made it on here, he’s not that well known since death has gone through many bassists but he was the best out of all of them.

[@mistertitanic]

Alex Webster is a badass.

[@Eatfard_5150]

Always has been \M/

[@kasparsberzins4055]

Sorry but CC in few records bass is nonexistent despite Alex is great bass player. Shame.

[@gordongardner5173]

Geezer Butler had to be on top. Seeing him live in the 70's left me in awe as no other bassist has ever done before or since.

[@TheAjklimm]

Ok so obviously this isn't based on skill

[@Solidsidious]

As soon as I saw SOAD . Still he's got some good ones,

[@zoewylde1452]

I knew it wasn't based on skill when Steve Harris wasn't #1

[@stevenmackan3410]

fieldy 28 fuck that justin 19 no way

[@vincentmasterbassist6784]

Dr Rockets totally agree, Steve Harris is the best

[@awesome10pickles32]

Of coarse it's not based on skill.The title says "greatest" not "most skillful." You're probably confused, so I'll give an example. Lemmy, from Motorhead, is not a very skillful bassist. His lines aren't complicated, technical, or anything of the sort. But Lemmy was a phenomenal front man, and has inspired almost every famous and talented modern bassist. Plus, he invented Thrash Metal. So even though Lemmy isn't a very skillful player, he is still "greater" then a more talented bassist like Rex Brown.

[@megadeth1604]

David Ellefson is number one for me. :D

[@NDRWCHNNL]

Me too

[@SLAYER.APO.VOLO.]

Man, is he underrated. Seriously underrated, just like DD Verni

[@thepaininducer8531]

ΣΛΕΗΕΡ ΑΠΟ ΒΟΛΟ exactly

[@powaowa1]

Mudvaynes bass player on LD50 album was unreal. probably one of the best "NU"Metal bassists around.

[@ghostware6057]

I feel like this isn't really a list of the best metal bass players, but more the metal bass players with the cooler riffs. Which is still cool, I suppose.

[@huemul4586]

Greatest metal bass players

[@nicknelson634]

@@huemul4586 nope

[@jannetoropainen9865]

@@nicknelson634 you probably dont like metal Kid?

[@gregbird6698]

Agree

[@syphe101]

Ryan Martini easily is #1. Single handily made NU metal not a joke and made Mudvayne worth listening too. Literally helped change heavy metal in the early 2000's.

[@AshleySOAD]

he's atleast top 5

[@gaminglegendnl5879]

You are wrong. Cliff Burton is the best bassist of all time.

[@AshleySOAD]

Gaminglegend NL no i am

[@braxtonfps3580]

@@gaminglegendnl5879 maybe if he wasn't in a joke band

[@CosminPerisan]

@@braxtonfps3580 that's what you think. LD50 sounds sick!

[@mertkaradeniz3032]

for me it is ; 1) Jeroen Paul Theseling (obscura) 2) Alex Webster (cannibal corpse) 3) Stephen Fimmers (necrophagist) 4) Steve DiGorgio (death) 5) Dominic LaPointe (beyond creation)

[@didrikpalmqvist8083]

+Arnold Moore How about erlend caspersen from spawn of possession?

[@mertkaradeniz3032]

Didrik Palmqvist havent listen to spawn of possession taht much to judge soo .. :)

[@tommyellis7728]

Personally, LaPointe should be number one.

[@arbersllamniku9651]

10/10 choices coming from a bassist myself , these guys are on an alien level \m/.

[@toad15fan]

Steve is No. 1 in this list. Fret less seems pretty difficult, plus, he played in death.

[@robbiej2734]

While I disagree with Geezer being number 1, I must applaud the inclusion of Steve Di Giorgio. Very underrated in my book.

[@gregbird6698]

I don't think they're in any specific order.

[@robbiej2734]

@@gregbird6698 ngl, I forgot I had posted this comment in the first place. 4 years was so long ago

[@petarmiladinovic8792]

I love how everyone is insulting each other here

[@oscarlopez8082]

Without Les Cleypool? Don´t make laugh.

[@tubandt84]

METAL bassists

[@Akoms4]

Primus: Funk Metal

[@AbhiBass96]

So was Flea and he appeared on the list.

[@lw4384]

tubandt84 yeah because black sabath is metal ?

[@awesome10pickles32]

Wacquez Lucien3è3 Black Sabbath was one of the best and most influential metal bands in history. So yeah, Black Sabbath is metal.

[@RocklyGuitarChannel]

Billy Sheehan?

[@TuTosRARE]

Rock, no metal.

[@CRM-vm9jf]

theres no doubt Geezer helped shape the genre of metal with his iconic riffs, but Ryan Martinie comes up with some super complex riffs that just cant be ignored. He should be right up at 1

[@clifftheplanteddvd6330]

Complex doesn’t mean good

[@sukkaesooopspoun9466]

@@clifftheplanteddvd6330 but they were both complex and good, especially on ld50

[@marcbrauwers951]

Good list , but I miss Paul Gray (Slipknot), Michael Antony ( Van Halen, Chickenfoot) and Tom Aygra (Slayer)

[@211Appolo]

+Marc Brauwers Tom Aygra.

[@Velocisaurusman]

Marc Brauwers you should check your spelling

[@maxaustin42]

Paul Gray is the best bassist in my opinion

[@warrengauthier4699]

Has anyone ever seen a bass cover of I'll Wait on here? If so, post the link.

[@SLAYER.APO.VOLO.]

@@maxaustin42 one of the best sure. But also too overrated

[@Gadul9666]

Man, Cliff and his onstage performance was outstanding

[@MetalMarauder]

HAHA! Nikki Sixx? He was notorious for being a terrible bassist! Sure, he got better, but he's by no means amazing, definitely not worth even being mentioned in the description.

[@nathanlevesque48]

Metal Marauder they should’ve replaced Nikki Sixx with Paul Gray

[@notmozart8866]

Same with Tom Araya. He is shit.

[@corijaxx]

Nikki Sixx is the best

[@thrashmetalkid6669]

Not Mozart Tom araya isnt shit at all, check is basslines for show no mercy and Hell awaits, plus he down picks that and sings

[@gummy7152]

Have you heard of Opinions you douche?

[@g-gamer4747]

Lemmy should be higher

[@211Appolo]

+G-gamer He was more of an innovator, than a technical master. But yeah, he did have a unique way of picking. I'd put him in my top 3 favourite, not best.

[@SLAYER.APO.VOLO.]

Petition to move Lemmy and DD Verni to the top 15 at least

[@BurntTapeProductions2016]

It's not based on skill it's just a listing of 30 of the best metal bassists

[@sergiocordero5213]

"No one can hear bass in metal": Davie504

[@attilathehun8613]

he is wrong.He is great bassist but wrong about this

[@Zpanadero]

@@attilathehun8613 Davie was joking

[@TKDFORCEART]

Fuck davie504

[@jannetoropainen9865]

Stfu

[@classy_902]

@@TKDFORCEART all my homies hate davie504😡

[@stavrosliadakis7324]

Les Claypool IS THY MAN!!!!

[@midar777]

I commend you for putting Death, Cynic, Atheist bassists. They are all great but almost completely overlooked in other lists.

[@Elchinodiabolero]

as much as I love most of them... 1) Chancellor 2) Chancellor 3) Chancellor 4) Chancellor Whenever you think of a metal bass riff you think of Tool. Also Ryan Martinie would be up there.

[@MERS03]

Elchinodiabolero YESSSSSS

[@attilathehun8613]

epic

[@CosminPerisan]

Justin and Ryan are the shit!

[@thepetruccinator6318]

My top 10 favorite, just bassists not all metal 1. Geddy Lee 2. John Myung 3. Cliff Burton 4. John Paul Jones 5. Flea 6. Steve Harris 7. Geezer Butler 8. Billy Sheehan 9. Les Claypool 10. John Entwhistle

[@MuhammadAli-oz9cy]

j

[@MuhammadAli-oz9cy]

Billy shean should be closers to the top

[@thepetruccinator6318]

+Muhammad Ali it's not really in any order it was who first came to mind, except Geddy and Myung they're my two favorite, but yes I'd probably but Sheehan higher on a complete list

[@MuhammadAli-oz9cy]

+Derrick Fox oh okay

[@warrengauthier4699]

Entwhistle? Mr Cokehead.

[@itsmechris14]

how is rex last??

[@mariovomhof2775]

He often plays what dimebag is playing

[@BurntTapeProductions2016]

It's not based on skill it's just listing the best metal bass players in no particular order

[@itsmechris14]

MARIO VOM HOF like most bassist. staying on the root note

[@braxtonfps3580]

How isge even on this list. This list is so bullshit.

[@______________2524]

0:26 WOW AMAZING BASS LINE

[@aureliomoreira3860]

This song of Opeth is from the album "Morningrise", which was composed and recorded by Johan Defarfalla

[@Safabox]

Fine to see my Top 5 in your Top 30. :-) My hero? Steve, no doubt. And my favourite bass part? Definitely Sean's solo in Textures. The best bass ever!

[@eddiethehunterr]

Geeeeeezer fucking Butler hahahaha \,,/

[@Riskmangler]

Good list - Very thoughtful.

[@jakepark9962]

Im very surprised by this comment section by multiple reason. First, the amount of people asking "wheres flea?" He is a great bassist and he is one the my personal influences but he is a rock bass player. Not metal. Second, "wheres paul gray?' He was a bass player in one of the biggest metal bands now but he is not a good bass player. He just backed up jim and micks riffs and he didnt write any bass lines that stood out. He didnt have any creativity on bass playing that much. Lastly, all the cliff fanboys. I dont think cliff is half bad but he isnt that good. If you actually compare bass players here like alex webster, stephan fimmers or jonh myung, cliff should be placed in lower number because if you compare cliffs skills and their skills, cliff is no where near them. I think third place is even too high for cliff.

[@haileene703]

+1 with you, and add to that R. Trujillo is way underated imo in this ranking, due to what and how he plays... but maybe not so many lovers for him as he may sound *too funky* for a metal band... but always liked what he has done... specially with the Infectious Grooves experiment. Also to be totally fair, I'm an all time Iron Maiden fan... and I love Steve Harris lines and songs, but I still think that technically Trujillo is better... so Trujillo in 12th...

[@FunkadelicFlea]

I agree with you about Cliff Burton and about Paul gray's bass lines, but he wasn't JUST backing up Jim and Mick. He and Joey wrote most of Slipknot's songs. I personally think Ryan Martinie deserved a higher rank in this list.

[@fuckyoutube6468]

ryan martinie is the man. and the top 3 weren't really close. I like me some geezer and cliff is the man that made me want to play bass but seriously john myung is a robot sent from the future to teach us about the bass guitar. and alex Webster is so digsutingly good I want to vomit blood out of my eye sockets when I listen to blotted science.

[@kennelson7559]

fuck youtube look up "soften the glare" Ryan's side project. really kickass instrumental jams.

[@aussietrue612]

Straight Up, My Man.. Ryan kills it..!

[@williamcarpenter4353]

Ty for recognizing Starr

[@charlestietje4779]

John myung is the best player on your list you had him 9th way too low imho

[@007Benjee]

I'm glad you have Geezer, he was one of the first metal bassists and the best, he is so under appreciated!

[@raktimparashar]

Tom Araya and those who play bass and metal will never ever doubt Geezer Butler. No.1 without ant doubt

[@warrengauthier4699]

Geezers best work: Hand Of Doom.

[@mariovomhof2775]

@@warrengauthier4699 war pigs

[@orangeplayzz9162]

Man's really put shavo over Mike starr and rex

[@facundoantonini2669]

1= Steve Digiorgio , 2 = Dominic "Forest" Lapointe (Beyond Creations)

[@JaxJSwiss]

Beyond creation

[@troysmithfr]

Give it up for Joel Schwallier from Dawn of Dementia guys. Joel Schwallier.

[@ichbinstarkundgesund834]

All rights man gezzy deserve the first place thank you man

[@piercewalters9706]

Ryan martinie

[@dukethotness]

Omg yes

[@pinkdaddyhoehoe]

yasss ryan martine

[@NotFromSt8Farm]

Ryans style is personally my favorite, he doesn't need a bunch of effects or anything, just give him a bass and an amp and he's good

[@ნიკოლოზოთარაშვილი]

Pierce Walters deserves to be much higher.

[@warrengauthier4699]

Ryan who?

[@WillEatForFood]

NICE LIST!!!

[@bilbosballsack8688]

This would be my opinion: #1: Dave Ellefson #2: Lemmy #3: Cliff #4: Robert T #5: Frank Bello

[@karanshetty4215]

Seriously? No Geezer Butler and Steve Harris?

[@dr.cherrycola9385]

MOTHERFUCKING CLIFF BURTON #1

[@williambale6068]

Dude you forgot Justin Chancellor

[@lonelypotato520]

As much as I love lemmy, cliff definitely ranks higher for technique and creativity

[@ikon4255]

steve digiorgio could run circles around these guys

[@Zubao]

Very good list!

[@ZestyNumNums]

A respectable favorite, but my favorite will always be Tim Commerford. He may not be the most technically advanced bassist, but hes got mad chops.

[@knightgal2011]

i was on the edge of my seat wondering if geezer would make 31 and wasnt disapointed! N.I.B. for the win!

[@FBDMatt]

Move Digiorgio to #1.

[@freeschaeffercox1640]

There would be no # 2 without # 1.

[@squidward9747]

Yay Shavo! I’m honestly surprised because he’s so underrated

[@christhenademan13]

Why isnt Cliff # 1 in the ranking

[@jakepark9962]

Because he is not as good as digiorgio

[@francoisSwine]

+J Venturella then why digiogio isn't first and then Ryan Martinie (am I the only surprised about his underrated position? He's at least cited, true ... but not enough ...)

[@francoisSwine]

c'était gratuit ...

[@BruderRot]

u spelled "Lemmy" wrong

[@11warlen]

Because Black Sabbath is the legend, and Steve is JUST A GOD of bass

[@raymangamers0817]

Cliff Burton and Tim Commerford, my favorites ! But where is Les Claypool ???

[@jb66catalunya]

Where is Joe Lester from Intronaut ?

[@warrengauthier4699]

Joe who?

[@igorzkoppt]

More a random list than a best of - doesn't matter, sounds allright :) Discovered a few band names to lookup.

[@ricardoarancibia8128]

it's so bad this list!! which were the parameters of this !?!?!?!?!?

[@larsheuker]

Thanks for putting Frank bello #7

[@parkeranderson1273]

Ummm... Where is Tom from Slayer?

[@hannaanahmed8352]

Parker Anderson ummm no

[@troysmithfr]

Tom sucks man.

[@danielness2847]

Troy Hell No

[@taylorpearcy319]

Good to see some love for Mike Lepond. I think I shed tears of joy the first time I heard “Seven”

[@VHSTemptation]

Glad Dave Ellefson is in the top 10

[@anthonyhiguero8921]

I was waiting to see if Roger Patterson would make it on the list. Glad he's up there, the man was possessed of superhuman talent.

[@yuanping6170]

2:19 So !! This guy is in a Death Metal band... '_' Mmmmmh !! XD

[@adamgarcia268]

Let's be honest, does Shavo need to be on here? Most all of soad's songs have him just playing the root note, the song used in this video, along with question! Are some of the few instances where he gets much else

[@larryhood4952]

not to mention SOAD is rock, not metal. Same goes for Alice in Chains, and a whole bunch more on the list. Fieldy even admits hes not a good bassist.

[@Caminante7SSS]

RATM!

[@sinordby]

What about Helloween, Markus Grosskopf??????????????????

[@Kartsah]

Chancellor and Myung are the best.

[@SalmonCubes]

Rob Trujillo and Fieldy should be higher up on this list, IMO. Also, why didn't you use For Whom The Bell Tolls or Anesthesia for Cliff? D:

[@alexphillips9779]

Tom Araya

[@yisus7793]

+Alex Phillips Tom Araya good bassist?

[@GTA007full]

hahahaha thnx for the good laugh friend

[@PrivateAlex1324]

He's an okay bassist. Nothing special.

[@marcopolo-ee6ot]

me too i think that tom araya is a realy good bassist

[@victorojedasandoval7096]

JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJA

[@andrevilarc]

if you put some tool, ratm and system, chi from deftones deserves something right? anyways good top :)

[@mada_2]

The Trivium guy above Chancellor or Daisley ? Wtf did you smoke ? :O

[@Omnatten9]

1:01 this is not Martin Mendez. It's Johan De Farfalla, the bassist before Martin.

[@11warlen]

Steve DiGiorGOD

[@warrengauthier4699]

Who?

[@Henrock420]

You pay homage to some truly talented bass players here. I was waiting for DiGiorgio and I'm so glad he made it to the Top 5. But, not to start a torrential downpour of hate here, what the fuck have people like Fieldy or Shavo done for the genre? There are many from the list of honorable mentions that deserve their places.

[@Gestr3482]

I guess there was an occasional metal song in this list...

[@chrisalbright820]

what about Antimo Buonnano from Disgorge (Mexico) or Nefarious from Macabre (Chicago USA)

[@Mipster_]

No les Claypool? Primus is alternative metal, folks. Primus Sucks!

[@s7vnexes336]

+luis lemon no primus sucks

[@Akoms4]

Les claypool is the 2nd best bassist, only after Jaco Pastorius ;)

[@wyvernskin5690]

Smoka Morales YES

[@Adam-sn5vz]

Primus isn't metal and saying Primus sucks is old. It's just annoying to everyone now (including Les, Ler, and Tim)

[@naturaljoe7397]

Aoae Ie Ueaoe nah, pastorius is a one trick pony. Claypool can do it all.

[@Caobilll]

good list!

[@frankgallagur2045]

Alex Webster yo.

[@rulon6064]

Gene Simmons easily #1.

[@ikon4255]

i can’t tell if you’re joking

[@rulon6064]

@@ikon4255 definitely was joking.

[@tylerthatch]

Fieldly only 28!!!!#

[@TheThingThatShouldNotBe]

The guy blows and barely can follow a simple guitar riff on a bass. Korn is hardly even metal as it is. They are essentially the Rap a tiny heavier version of U2.

[@tekonix6211]

Cruixifier666 lol don't you know that fieldys a percussion bassist? He doesn't go with the guitar he plays with the drums just like he said he is a percussionist on a bass

[@EricNygma]

Why would the bass player follow the guitar anyway you idiot?

[@TheThingThatShouldNotBe]

wwe2dragon to keep simple rhythm and time...

[@dsavage131]

Paul Grey wasnt that great, he just died so now hes great

[@TheOskars19952010]

Paul Gray...!

[@Kav2990]

No. Just no.

[@videonailscissors]

Martin Mendes was not Opeth bassist player when they recorded Morningrise album, so there's a little mistake.

[@jupoga96]

JOHN FUCKING MYUNG IS THE NUMBER 1

[@double-tbassman]

That's what it is!!!

[@yuanping6170]

Juanjo Poveda Jonh Myung best bassist of the world !! HAHAHA !! XD

[@tristanhavrilak6048]

Finally some appreciation for rex brown

[@wh3649]

How dare you!! You didn't even include Cliff Burton, David Elefson, or Paul McCartney!!! Well, McCartney isn't metal... but still!!!

[@Chabot1801]

yo look at the whole video Cliff is # 3.dumbo.

[@Abonodi]

and none of the bassist you mentioned doesn't deserve to be in the "greatest" list. There are like 50 000 bassists who can play better eyes closed and bass behind their back than Cliff Burton, ellefson or McCartney ever could play

[@Mutterschwein]

Those guys are overrated.

[@v4d3rm4n]

Cliffs in the vid did you watch?

[@jlumsd4009]

And Paul McCartney isn't a metal Bassist

[@scottychi]

GEEZER BUTLER!!!!!

[@IfYouAintBalsac]

Where the fuck is Paul Gray?!

[@larryhood4952]

in hell where all mediocre bassists go :p

[@IfYouAintBalsac]

Oh fuck off

[@reecee.4237]

I agree Paul grey is awesome

[@IfYouAintBalsac]

Reece Eriksson I'm glad you agree

[@larryhood4952]

List one Slipknot song with a bass-line that's difficult to play and more complex than just following the guitar.

[@User-jk8wq]

Timi's bassline on Arrival by King Diamond never ceases to amaze me.

[@brogoram]

maybe i will get hate replies after this.. but its ok.. i'll say what i feel. i like metal. And i also play guitar (not bass). To me there is no 'great' bass in metal music. Metal bass is just playing a line similar to the guitar. They need it only for the 'bottom' fat sound that makes metal more 'alive'. Great bass are not meant to be in metal music. If we want to hear super bass work, hear bass in jazz, fusion or funky music. Maybe one or two metal band bass player play good lines like Reginald Arvisu from Korn. And also Les Claypool (is Les a metal guy?).. The late Cliff Burton was good not because he play fantastic bass line.. He's good because he shred the bass (with a distortion) like a guitar player. And he did it in early 80's.. its a 'magic' at that era. Please don't get me wrong.. i like metal.. and i respect Jason Newsted, Steve Harris, Joey Di maio, etc. But to me, metal bass players are all equal. No one better than anyone.. Metallica proved it in "an justice for all" with less to none bass sound in all the songs in that album. We can hear it still okay. Metal bass is only for 'kicking' metal songs.

[@SilentxWorld]

Very well said. I agree with you. No I don't think Les is really a metal player. He's his own thing. LOL.

[@tangoalphax-rayindia2268]

I have to agree... I felt for killing you for some seconds but after reading i understand your opinion... The greatest guy according to me, you can find in Led Zeppelin, Cream, Pink Floyd etc... (and funk)!

[@SilentxWorld]

Well I really like the guys you said, they're awesome Bass players Martin. If you ever heard of Jaco Pastorius, Victor Wooten, Stanley clarke, and Marcus, Miller those guys bring it home I tell ya.

[@beef6268]

But... but Cliff Burton!

[@DooMERful]

Beef but beef

[@RhinoX753]

I though this will be another of those lists where they mention musicians from well known bands until ... i saw Reiner Landfermann and then Lars K. Norberg in honorable mentions, which automatically gave your list credic in my eyes no matter how you place these guys. It is also my personal opinion that you should mention Les Claypool and Dominic Lapointe, and my personal #1 which hardly ever gets mentioned anywhere Koh Morota (諸田コウ) from japanese band DOOM, search for "Doom Why!?" on youtube.

[@kurtmclaughlin651]

Its great to see that Bob Daisley is recognized for his efforts and abilities!

[@superjoint57]

How am I not on this list??? Sure I don't have a bass nor have I ever played one, but c'mon!!!!

[@EJS0769]

great list, geezer is the best, but seeing how you know all the bassists in metal and not just the household names i was expecting to see u include Doug Keyser from watchtower. check him out if u haven't heard him...

[@vinayakchakravarty2958]

cant imagine anyone else rollin and banging head while playing awsome solos other than cliff........

[@Uubbfippk]

For its gotta be: 1) Cliff F'ing Burton 2) Alex Webster 3) Steve Harris 4) Dave Ellefson 5) Geezer Butler

[@ikon4255]

dave ellefson is overrated asf

[@SirMavender]

What about Rainer Landfermann from Pavor?

[@BenEd2]

Agreed, but that argument can be used for many bassists, and technically doesn't diminish their talent. Look on Nolly's channel, there's a basscam playthrough of Make Total Destroy and holy shit, it will blow you away :)

[@captainpiefox9133]

how about nolly getgood of periphery? he's a great bassist!

[@Max-rn3eb]

Jeff Walker of Carcass? Chuck Shuldiner?

[@Gimliownz]

Is John Myung seriously playing a Musicman Bongo at 2:47 ? Personally I think that bass looks hidious xD

[@nmnmnm9509]

where is shavo from System of a down? i think he is between 10 bassist metal. soad usually use one lead guitar but only with awesom shavos bass line you can hear that powerful sound...

[@Safabox]

Good for You. Your namesake is awesome bassist... :)

[@ambrosiusaf6692]

NR. 16 ist Tom Angelripper alias Thomas Such

[@danielepitzoi6097]

The Opeth song isn't played by Martin Mendez, but by Johan DeFarfalla...