The 40 best basslines of all time. The greatest bass guitar parts ever committed to record

guitarworld ^

[mylife]

Let’s face it: often, a good song is only as good as its bassline. In fact, there are times when the bass guitar player – so often the under-appreciated middle man or woman of music – steals the spotlight through their mountain-moving low-end activities.

In an age where it’s easy to debate and obsess over the greatest guitar solos of all time, the bassline can often fly under the radar. Yet there is an entire legion of bass hooks that deserve their rightful place in the annals of music history.

The breadth of style in the following list is a testament to both the instrument’s versatility and the creativity of those who wield it. Usually assumed to be a backline instrument, the bassline can be so much more than just a low-end linchpin: the track-carrying grooves of Town Called Malice immediately spring to mind, as does the famously filthy line in Ace of Spades.

[gibsonguy]

For sure Entwistle should be there

[zeugma]

#Yes “Roundabout”

Absolutely agreed.

[Lurker]

No doubt. Anything from Quadraphenia. Then there’s Baba O”Reilly…

L

[rktman]

And, the first two notes opening “Papa was a rolling stone.”.

[drjimmy]

“Berry starts her off...”

[gibsonguy]

For sure Entwhistle should be there

[Psalm 73]

“Berry starts her off...”

Ah, the very words of brother Duane.

[jmacusa]

Berry Oakley “Whipping Post’’ from “Live At The Fillmore’’.

Phil Lesh “Dark Star’’ from “Live Dead’’.

[Dr. Sivana]

Chrissie’s a lib, but she’s ok by me, not a lot of musicians would have allowed Rush to use their music.

For about two weeks she didn't and Rush had tried different theme songs. They were awful (one was "Man From Down Under" by "Men at Work" . . . WAY too well-known). It turns out that Chrissy's mom liked Rush's show, so she backed off. I will also give her a pass because Rush gave her a VERY back-handed compliment, saying (when she was much younger) that she looked like the kind of girl who would give you an STD, but that you wouldn't care.

[muir_redwoods]

We all know about opinions but, for me, there’s Jack Bruce and then there’s everybody else.

[jjotto]

It was Hynde’s father who was a big Limbaugh fan.

[Dr. Sivana]

Thanks for the gentle correction.

[jjotto]

Memorable comments by Hynde:

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/pretenders-chrissie-hynde-trump-rush-limbaugh-presidential-medal-freedom

[Poser]

I guess one could reasonably argue that there were several as good, but none were better than Jack Bruce

[Poser]

“No Entwhistle?”

No kidding. There are youtube sound tracks that play only the bass line from the Who. He was incredible from the beginning.

[Albion Wilde]

"You Can Call Me Al" by Paul Simon, bass run performed by Bakithi Kumalo.

There are a bunch of YouTubes of bass players analyzing or attempting to emulate that great bass line.

[Lurker]

“The Real Me” and “Baba O’Reilly” are two of the greatest bass lines ever recorded.

L

[Lurker]

The bass line on the live version of the Intro to Sweet Jane from Lou Reed’s Rock and Roll Animal is also stellar.

Prakash John.

L

[dfwgator]

Isely Brohters - It’s Your Thing.

I believe Ernie Isley played bass on it, when he was 16. An absolute beast on guitar, the solo on "Who's That Lady" is smokin'.

[gnickgnack2]

And Talking Heads had the best looking bassist!!!!!!