10 legendary bassists and bass solos

From: http://sneakmove.com/

For most rock bands, singers and guitarists get the majority of the spotlight. The bassist is usually pushed to the back, keeping the groove with a drummer who can hardly be seen behind the drumset.

But once in a while a bassist comes along with the skill and personality that forces him to the front of the stage. When that happens, look out!

Here are TEN kings of the four-string everyone should know about. Some of these guys are groovy, some of them are fast. Some think they’re guitarists, and a lot of them like to slap and pop. But one thing they all have in common: it’s fun to watch them play.

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Larry Graham: Credited with inventing the slap/pop bass technique. Played with Sly and the Family Stone and his own group, Graham Central Station. (More Larry Graham here)

John Entwistle: Bassist from The Who. Fast, furious basslines played with an almost effortless look on his face. (More John Entwistle here)

Victor Wooten: Bassist extraordinaire with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones. (More Victor Wooten here)

Billy Sheehan: Best known for his work in Mr. Big. A lead guitarist in a bassist’s body, watch how fast he can play. Often paired with superguitarists like Steve Via and Paul Gilbert. (More Billy Sheehan here)

Les Claypool: Primus frontman who kept the 90’s “silly” with his charmingly goofy persona. Bay Area native; auditioned for Metallica after Cliff Burton died. (More Les Claypool here)

Buddy Hankerson: Grammy winner, played with Steve Arrington and and Young and Company, providing bass on their 1980 disco hit “I like What You’re Doing to Me.” (more Buddy Hankerson)

Jaco Pastorius: Legendary jazz bassist. Known for his skill with the fretless electric bass, use of harmonics. (More Jaco here)

Cliff Burton: Bassist with Metallica until his death in 1986; helped shape the heavy metal/thrash soundscape. (check out the Cliff ‘Em All documentary)

Flea: Red Hot Chili Peppers’ funky bassist. Along with Claypool he helped keep high school kids slapping and popping through the 90s; sticks closer to the Larry Graham fundamentals than his Primus counterpart. (More RHCP here)

Geddy Lee: Singer and bassist for prog-rock superstars Rush.

Of course, this is just ten of the greats. Who else would you include on the list?