🎸Best Bass Lines of All Time

Another One Bites the Dust (Queen)▲ Rising

John Deacon's minimal four-note riff became the backbone of Queen's 1980 hit and a dance-floor staple. Its staccato punch and relentless repetition made it instantly recognizable worldwide. The line's simplicity hides how perfectly it locks with the drums to create unstoppable momentum.

Year: 1980Artist: QueenAlbum: The GameLength: 3:35Impact: 9.7/10

added by IJR

Hysteria (Muse)▲ Rising

Chris Wolstenholme's intricate, high-register bass line carries the 2003 single almost alone. It blends classical influence with rock energy in a technically demanding performance. The track proved bass could headline a modern rock hit.

Year: 2003Artist: MuseAlbum: AbsolutionLength: 3:47Impact: 9.1/10

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Roxanne (The Police)

Sting's pulsing reggae-inflected bass anchors the 1978 hit with steady, hypnotic repetition. The line supports the vocal while adding subtle movement. It helped introduce reggae bass feel to mainstream rock.

Year: 1978Artist: The PoliceAlbum: Outlandos d'AmourLength: 3:12Impact: 8.2/10

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Good Times (Chic)▲ Rising

Bernard Edwards' funky, syncopated line from 1979 became one of the most sampled bass parts ever. It bridges disco and hip-hop with effortless cool. The groove directly inspired Rapper's Delight and countless tracks.

Year: 1979Artist: ChicAlbum: RisquéLength: 8:13Impact: 9/10

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Under Pressure (Queen & David Bowie)

John Deacon's walking bass line carries the 1981 duet with graceful movement and tension. It builds alongside the piano and vocals into anthemic release. The groove remains instantly recognizable.

Year: 1981Artist: Queen & David BowieAlbum: Hot SpaceLength: 4:08Impact: 8.1/10

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Money (Pink Floyd)

Roger Waters crafted a 7/4 time-signature groove that opens the 1973 classic and never lets go. The cash-register sound effects and walking bass line set an unforgettable mood. It proved bass could carry both rhythm and conceptual weight.

Year: 1973Artist: Pink FloydAlbum: The Dark Side of the MoonLength: 6:22Impact: 9.4/10

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Sunshine of Your Love (Cream)▲ Rising

Jack Bruce's heavy, descending riff opens the 1967 classic and defines psychedelic blues rock. The line's weight and simplicity made it a riff everyone learned. It showed bass could be the main hook.

Year: 1967Artist: CreamAlbum: Disraeli GearsLength: 4:08Impact: 8.7/10

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Billie Jean (Michael Jackson)

Louis Johnson's popping, melodic bass drives the 1982 thriller single from start to finish. The line weaves around the vocal and synths while staying locked to the beat. It turned a pop track into a masterclass in bass as lead instrument.

Year: 1982Artist: Michael JacksonAlbum: ThrillerLength: 4:54Impact: 9.5/10

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The Chain (Fleetwood Mac)▲ Rising

John McVie's driving bass powers the 1977 Rumours closer and its famous outro build. The line shifts from steady verses into an explosive, anthemic section. It became a concert staple and sports-arena favorite.

Year: 1977Artist: Fleetwood MacAlbum: RumoursLength: 4:28Impact: 9.2/10

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Longview (Green Day)

Mike Dirnt's bouncy, melodic bass opens the 1994 Dookie hit and never stops moving. It gives the punk track an unexpected funk undertone. The line helped define 90s pop-punk bass playing.

Year: 1994Artist: Green DayAlbum: DookieLength: 3:59Impact: 8.9/10

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My Generation (The Who)

John Entwistle's aggressive, distorted bass leads the 1965 mod anthem with raw power. It pushes the band into new territory and foreshadows punk. The line helped redefine what bass could do in rock.

Year: 1965Artist: The WhoAlbum: My GenerationLength: 3:18Impact: 8.8/10

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I Want You Back (The Jackson 5)

Wilton Felder's tight, melodic bass drives the 1969 Motown classic with youthful bounce. The line supports the vocal hooks while adding its own movement. It became a blueprint for pop bass.

Year: 1969Artist: The Jackson 5Album: Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5Length: 2:59Impact: 7.9/10

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Come Together (The Beatles)

Paul McCartney's swampy, syncopated line anchors the 1969 Abbey Road opener with hypnotic repetition. It blends blues feel with rock energy in a way few have matched. The bass becomes the song's central character.

Year: 1969Artist: The BeatlesAlbum: Abbey RoadLength: 4:20Impact: 9.3/10

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YYZ (Rush)

Geddy Lee's intricate, Morse-code-inspired bass opens the 1981 instrumental and showcases technical mastery. The line weaves through odd time signatures with precision. It became a benchmark for prog bass playing.

Year: 1981Artist: RushAlbum: Moving PicturesLength: 4:24Impact: 8.6/10

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Low Rider (War)

The laid-back, cruising bass line on the 1975 hit defines the song's cool, low-slung vibe. It became synonymous with car culture and 70s funk. The groove is instantly transportive.

Year: 1975Artist: WarAlbum: Why Can't We Be Friends?Length: 3:11Impact: 7.8/10

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Feel Good Inc. (Gorillaz)

The bouncing, rubbery bass line on the 2005 hit gives the track its infectious bounce. It mixes hip-hop and rock with playful energy. The groove became a defining 2000s bass hook.

Year: 2005Artist: GorillazAlbum: Demon DaysLength: 3:42Impact: 8.3/10

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Schism (Tool)

Justin Chancellor's deep, grinding bass drives the 2001 single through shifting time signatures. The line creates tension and release that matches the song's emotional arc. It proved bass could carry progressive metal.

Year: 2001Artist: ToolAlbum: LateralusLength: 6:47Impact: 8.5/10

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White Rabbit (Jefferson Airplane)

Jack Casady's rumbling, Eastern-influenced bass builds the 1967 psychedelic classic with hypnotic depth. The line adds menace and movement beneath the vocal. It helped define acid-rock bass.

Year: 1967Artist: Jefferson AirplaneAlbum: Surrealistic PillowLength: 2:31Impact: 7.4/10

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Orion (Metallica)

Cliff Burton's melodic bass solo and main riff elevate the 1986 instrumental into a metal classic. The line blends classical phrasing with thrash aggression. It remains one of metal's most revered bass moments.

Year: 1986Artist: MetallicaAlbum: Master of PuppetsLength: 8:27Impact: 8.4/10

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Thank You (Sly and the Family Stone)▼ Falling

Larry Graham's pioneering slap bass opens the 1969 track and helped invent the technique. The line's percussive punch changed how bass could sound in funk. It remains a foundational moment.

Year: 1969Artist: Sly and the Family StoneAlbum: Stand!Length: 4:48Impact: 7.6/10

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Super Freak (Rick James)

The funky, syncopated bass on the 1981 hit became a staple sample and dance classic. It locks tight with the drums and horns for maximum party energy. The line helped define 80s funk bass.

Year: 1981Artist: Rick JamesAlbum: Street SongsLength: 3:24Impact: 8/10

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Cissy Strut (The Meters)▼ Falling

George Porter Jr.'s tight, syncopated New Orleans funk line powers the 1969 instrumental classic. It blends second-line rhythms with rock energy. The track became a bass player's study piece.

Year: 1969Artist: The MetersAlbum: The MetersLength: 3:02Impact: 7.7/10

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The Real Thing (Faith No More)

Billy Gould's thick, grinding bass drives the 1989 title track with industrial weight. The line anchors the band's eclectic sound. It showed how bass could add heaviness to alternative rock.

Year: 1989Artist: Faith No MoreAlbum: The Real ThingLength: 7:54Impact: 7.2/10

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Superstition (Stevie Wonder)

Stevie Wonder's own clavinet dominates but the bass locks the 1972 funk groove with precision. The line supports the iconic riff while adding its own punch. It became a funk essential.

Year: 1972Artist: Stevie WonderAlbum: Talking BookLength: 4:26Impact: 7.3/10

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Walk on the Wild Side (Lou Reed)▼ Falling

Herbie Flowers' double bass and electric bass combo creates the iconic 1972 walking line. The simple two-note motif supports the storytelling perfectly. It became one of rock's most quoted bass parts.

Year: 1972Artist: Lou ReedAlbum: TransformerLength: 4:12Impact: 7.5/10

added by IJR