- James Jamerson (1936-1983): Often referred to as the "King of Bass," Jamerson was a Motown session bassist who played on countless hit records, including many of the iconic tracks by The Beatles, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye. He is known for his melodic and soulful bass lines, which were an essential part of Motown's signature sound.
- Jaco Pastorius (1951-1987): Pastorius was a pioneer in jazz fusion, and his innovative playing revolutionized the role of the bass guitar in jazz and beyond. He was known for his virtuosic technique, including tapping and harmonics, as well as his extensive use of fretless bass.
- John Entwistle (1944-2002): Entwistle was the bassist for The Who, and his powerful, driving bass lines were a key component of the band's sound. He is considered one of the first bass players to use distortion and other effects, which helped to shape the sound of rock and heavy metal.
- Paul McCartney (1942-present): While primarily known as a songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist, Paul McCartney is also an accomplished bass guitarist. His melodic bass lines and innovative use of countermelodies have influenced countless bassists and have become an integral part of The Beatles' sound.
- Geddy Lee (1953-present): Lee is the bassist, keyboardist, and lead vocalist of the progressive rock band Rush. He is known for his complex bass playing, which combines technical proficiency with melodic and progressive ideas. Lee's bass lines are often intricate and challenging, and he has been recognized as one of the greatest bassists of all time.
Ultimately, the "best" bassist is a matter of subjective opinion, and there are many other bassists who have made significant contributions to the genre.