The bass. My second favorite instrument. I also tried to learn it and achieved more than with the guitar.
In the beginning, I saw it as a consolation prize, but then I learned to love it because it carries the rhythm, heart, and soul of the band (along with the drums) and it can sound simple or overly intricate.
I love it when the bass sounds good and clear in the mix (a thing that is not always well done, sadly).
So, here are some of my favorites (in no particular order).
1. Rudy Sarzo. If there’s a bassist that represents 80s metal is Rudy. He played with many old-school metal bands like Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, and Whitesnake.
2. John Taylor. He adds intricate funky and soul bass lines to Duran Duran’s songs.
3. Billy Sheehan. He was the bassist of David Lee Roth and for many years Mr. Big’s bassist, where he delights us with his lines, especially I love it when he duels and responds to the virtuoso guitarist Paul Gilbert.
4. John Myung. The mysterious Dream Theater bassist, always stays out of the spotlight, as you hear his complicated bass lines.
5. Steve DiGiorgio. Marvelous bassist who has played with bands like Death and, currently, Testament. He mixes death, and thrash with progressive rhythms.
6. Geddy Lee. The iconic singer and bassist of Rush.
7. Jeff Pilson. He was Dokken’s bassist and is now the current Foreigner bassist.
8. Geezer Butler. Black Sabbath’s bassist.
9. Glenn Hughes. He has been a part of many bands like Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, and now he has his band, in which he sings and plays bass.
10. Steve Harris. Iron Maiden’s bassist. Iconic heavy metal figure.