If you’re a bassist—or simply someone who loves the bass—you probably research various bass players and study their performances, don’t you?
From bassists who have established their own unique playing styles to those who excel at laying down groove, each has a distinct appeal that captivates us.
In this article, we’ll introduce bassists from around the world that you absolutely need to know.
We’ll feature them alongside performance videos, so be sure to enjoy their playing with both your eyes and ears.
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- 【2026】A Roundup of Japanese Bassists: From Big Names to Rising Stars
- Exploring the appeal of Paul McCartney as a bassist
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- [Low End] A collection of Japanese songs with high-difficulty bass parts [Cool]
- Who’s the World’s Best!? A Roundup of Famous Bassists from Around the Globe
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- [Western Music] Classic Jazz Fusion Masterpieces: Recommended Albums You Should Listen to at Least Once [2026]
- [Low End] A Collection of Japanese Songs Featuring Standout Bass Solos [2026]
Who’s the Best in the World!? A Roundup of Famous Bassists Overseas (1–10)
CalifornicationFlea（Red Hot Chili Peppers）
The bassist of the globally popular rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, known by the nickname “Rechi-ri” in Japan.
Renowned for his distinctive slap technique and explosive live performances, he has earned respect from bassists around the world.
Often hailed as “one of the most talented rock bassists of all time,” his playing both elevates the band’s music and stands out with undeniable presence.
From lightning-fast slaps to melodious lines, he embodies the possibilities and sheer coolness of the bass as an instrument.
Hello, GoodbyePaul McCartney（The Beatles）
A bassist recognized by Guinness World Records as the “most successful composer in popular music history.” As the main composer of the rock band The Beatles—who continue to influence musicians worldwide—he is known for creating numerous masterpieces that have left an indelible mark on rock history.
After the band’s breakup, he pursued a solo career and remains highly active on the front lines today, demonstrating boundless talent and vitality.
His bass lines, woven with a perfectly judged sense of distance from the song, continue to forge legend as an inimitable style that transcends changing eras.
Amazing Grace Bass SoloVictor Wooten
Victor Wooten is a bassist who continues to gain devoted followers with his exceptional technique and outstanding sense of groove.
He’s a star player at the forefront of the bass world, having released numerous albums and won Grammy Awards.
His unique playing style blends slap technique—striking the strings to produce sound—with methods often used on guitar, such as harmonics and tapping.
In the video of Amazing Grace, he delivers a solo performance in which he plays both melody and rhythm on the bass, an instrument typically used for accompaniment.
A Portrait Of TracyJaco Pastorius
When it comes to top-tier bass virtuosos in the jazz fusion world, Jaco Pastorius is one of the first names that comes to mind.
He’s best known as the bassist for the fusion band Weather Report, and he’s also famous for his solo work and his collaborations with singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.
His distinctive tone on the fretless bass and his highly developed technique grounded in jazz make him a captivating player.
“Portrait of Tracy” is a track from his first solo album, Jaco Pastorius (released in 1976), and in the video the main theme begins at 2:57.
Thank YouLarry Graham（Sly & the Family Stone）
The bassist known as the originator of the slap technique is Larry Graham.
He rose to prominence as the bassist for the funk band Sly & The Family Stone, and later formed his own group, Graham Central Station.
On Sly & The Family Stone’s signature track “Thank You,” he plays a famous line that every funk bassist knows, laying down a deep, powerful groove.
Addicted To That RushBilly Sheehan（Mr.Big）
A bassist known for his work with MR.
BIG and The Winery Dogs.
Despite being a bassist, he’s famous for lightning-fast playing that can surpass guitarists, and he masterfully employs techniques like tapping and sweeping—considered difficult even on guitar—making him a true bass hero.
He’s also well-known in the Japanese music scene, having taken part in recording and live performances with the rock duo B’z.
His virtuosic unison playing with MR.
BIG’s guitarist Paul Gilbert is sure to blow first-time listeners away.
He’s regarded as one of the top-tier bassists in the world among rock players.
White RoomJack Bruce（Cream）
Jack Bruce was ranked sixth in Rolling Stone’s “50 Greatest Bassists of All Time.” Cream, the band he formed with Eric Clapton and Ginger Baker, became one of the supergroups that led hard rock in the 1960s.
“White Room,” which he wrote, was released as a single by Cream in 1968, reached No.
6 on the U.S.
charts, and has become one of the band’s signature songs.