When it comes to heavy metal music, the bassist is often the unsung hero of the band. They provide the backbone and foundation for the music, but often get overlooked in favor of the guitarists and vocalists. However, the 21st century has seen some truly incredible metal bassists rise to the top and make their mark on the genre. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the best metal bassists of the 21st century and ranking them based on their skill, influence, and overall impact on the metal scene.
Geddy Lee – Best Metal Bassists
When it comes to metal bassists, there are few who can compare to Geddy Lee of Rush. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest bassists of all time, and his contributions to the metal genre are undeniable. Lee is known for his incredible technique and virtuosity on the bass, as well as his powerful and distinctive voice. He has been a major influence on countless metal bassists, and his contributions to the genre will be felt for decades to come.
Technique
Geddy Lee’s technique on the bass is truly unparalleled. He is known for his fast and intricate bass lines, which often take center stage in Rush’s music. He is also a master of the finger-tapping technique, which involves playing the bass with both hands on the fretboard. This technique allows him to create incredibly complex and dynamic bass lines that have become a staple of the metal genre.
Influence
Geddy Lee’s influence on the metal genre cannot be overstated. His unique playing style and powerful vocals have been a major inspiration for countless metal bassists. His work with Rush has helped to define the genre and set the standard for what a metal band should be. He is also known for his use of complex time signatures and unconventional song structures, which have had a major impact on the way that metal music is written and performed.
Cliff Burton – Best Metal Bassists
Another bassist who has had a major impact on the metal genre is Cliff Burton of Metallica. He was a member of the band from 1982 until his tragic death in 1986, but his influence on the genre can still be felt today. Burton was known for his incredible technique and virtuosity on the bass, as well as his innovative songwriting and arrangements. He was a major influence on the development of the thrash metal genre and his contributions to the genre will be remembered for years to come.
Technique
Cliff Burton’s technique on the bass was truly remarkable. He was known for his fast and intricate bass lines, which often took center stage in Metallica’s music. He was also a master of the finger-tapping technique, which he used to create incredibly complex and dynamic bass lines. He was also known for his use of harmonics, which added a unique and distinctive sound to his playing.
Influence
Cliff Burton’s influence on the metal genre is undeniable. His innovative songwriting and arrangements helped to define the thrash metal genre and set the standard for what a metal band should be. He was also known for his use of unconventional time signatures and complex song structures, which have had a major impact on the way that metal music is written and performed. His contributions to the genre will be remembered for years to come.
Jason Newsted – Best Metal Bassists
Another bassist who has had a major impact on the metal genre is Jason Newsted of Metallica. He was a member of the band from 1986 until 2001, and his contributions to the genre are undeniable. Newsted was known for his powerful and distinctive bass lines, as well as his ability to seamlessly blend in with the rest of the band. He was also known for his energetic stage presence and willingness to experiment with different styles and techniques.
Technique
Jason Newsted’s technique on the bass is notable for its power and precision. He was known for his heavy and driving bass lines that helped to drive Metallica’s music. He was also known for his ability to play in sync with the drums, which added to the band’s powerful and tight sound. He was also not afraid to experiment with different styles and techniques, such as adding a reggae influence to the band’s music.
Influence
Jason Newsted’s influence on the metal genre is significant. He was an important member of one of the biggest and most influential metal bands of all time, and helped to shape the band’s sound during his tenure. He also experimented with different styles and techniques, which helped to expand the boundaries of the genre. He is also known for being a trailblazer for future metal bassists, showing that there are no limits to what a bassist can do in a metal band.
Conclusion – Best Metal Bassists
The 21st century has seen some truly incredible metal bassists rise to the top and make their mark on the genre. Geddy Lee, Cliff Burton, and Jason Newsted are just a few of the best metal bassists of the 21st century, but there are many more out there who are pushing the boundaries of what a metal bassist can do. Their skill, influence, and overall impact on the metal scene make them essential figures in the genre and their contributions will be remembered for years to come.
FAQs – Best Metal Bassists
1. Who is considered to be one of the best metal bassists of all time?
Geddy Lee, the bassist and vocalist of the Canadian rock band Rush, is widely considered to be one of the greatest metal bassists of all time. His technical proficiency on the bass, paired with his powerful and dynamic stage presence, has earned him a dedicated fanbase and critical acclaim.
One of the main reasons for Geddy Lee’s status as one of the best metal bassists is his incredible skill on the instrument. He is known for his fast and intricate bass lines, as well as his mastery of the finger-tapping technique, which allows him to play complex runs and melodies on the bass. He also has a unique style that incorporates the use of a pick and his fingers to create a distinct sound and approach to the bass guitar.
In addition to his technical skill, Geddy Lee is also known for his powerful and emotive vocal style, which adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to Rush’s music. His powerful voice and dynamic stage presence have made him a favorite among fans and critics alike.
Geddy Lee’s influence on the metal genre is also undeniable. He and his bandmates helped to define the progressive rock and heavy metal scene in the 1970s and 80s, and their music continues to be an inspiration for many musicians today.
Overall, Geddy Lee’s skill, influence, and overall impact on the metal scene make him an essential figure in the genre and one of the best metal bassists of all time. His contributions will be remembered for years to come.
2. What technique is Geddy Lee known for?
Geddy Lee is known for his fast and intricate bass lines, which have become a signature of his playing style. He is a technically proficient bassist, with a strong sense of melody and a unique approach to the instrument. He is also known for his use of a pick and his fingers to create a distinct sound and approach to the bass guitar.
One of the main techniques that Geddy Lee is known for is finger-tapping. This technique involves using both hands on the bass fretboard, usually the right hand for fretting and the left hand for tapping, to play complex runs and melodies. Geddy Lee’s finger-tapping technique is particularly noteworthy, as he is able to play fast and intricate lines with ease, which adds an extra layer of complexity and virtuosity to his playing.
In addition to finger-tapping, Geddy Lee is also known for his use of harmonics, which he uses to add an extra layer of depth and texture to his playing. He is also known for his use of a pick, which he uses to create a more percussive sound on the bass and add a different dynamic to his playing.
Overall, Geddy Lee’s technique on the bass is a major reason why he is considered to be one of the best metal bassists of all time. His fast, intricate and harmonious bass lines, paired with his mastery of finger-tapping and use of harmonics and pick make him stand out among his peers.
3. What was Cliff Burton’s contribution to the metal genre?
Cliff Burton, the late bassist of the American band Metallica, made significant contributions to the metal genre with his innovative songwriting and arrangements. He was a highly skilled and virtuosic bassist, known for his technical proficiency, melodic sense, and powerful stage presence.
One of the main contributions that Cliff Burton made to the metal genre was his songwriting and arranging skills. He had a major influence on the band’s early sound, particularly on their first three albums Kill’Em All, Ride the Lightning, and Master of Puppets. He is known for his complex, progressive and melodic basslines that added a unique dimension to the band’s sound. His contributions helped to define the thrash metal genre and set the standard for what a metal band should be.
Burton’s bass playing was characterized by his use of intricate finger-style technique, which gave his playing a sense of virtuosity and melodic sophistication. He was also known for his use of harmonics and his incorporation of classical music elements into his playing. He was also known for his use of the wah-wah pedal, which he used to create a distinctive and powerful sound on the bass.
Burton’s contributions to Metallica’s early albums were also known for their complexity, technicality and progressive element, which helped to set the band apart from their peers and established them as one of the most important bands in the thrash metal genre.
Overall, Cliff Burton’s contributions to the metal genre were significant. He was a virtuosic bassist, a creative songwriter and a major influence on the development of the thrash metal genre. He is widely considered to be one of the most important and influential metal bassists of all time. His contributions will be remembered for years to come.
4. What was Jason Newsted’s contribution to the metal genre?
Jason Newsted, the former bassist of the American band Metallica, made significant contributions to the metal genre with his powerful and distinctive bass lines, as well as his willingness to experiment with different styles and techniques. He played with the band from 1986 to 2001, and his contributions helped to shape the band’s sound during his tenure and expand the boundaries of the genre.
One of the main contributions that Jason Newsted made to the metal genre was his powerful and distinctive bass lines. He had a major influence on the band’s sound during his tenure, particularly on the albums …And Justice for All, Metallica (also known as The Black Album) and Load. His basslines were known for their power, drive, and melodic sense, which added a unique dimension to the band’s sound. His basslines were also known for their powerful and heavy sound, which helped to establish the band as one of the most important bands in the metal genre.
Newsted’s bass playing was characterized by his use of a pick and his powerful, driving style which gave his playing a sense of energy and intensity. He was also known for his willingness to experiment with different styles and techniques, which helped to expand the boundaries of the genre. He also was known for his use of harmonics, and his incorporation of punk rock elements into his playing.
Newsted’s contributions to Metallica’s albums during his tenure were also known for their experimentation, which helped to set the band apart from their peers and established them as one of the most important bands in the metal genre. His willingness to try new things and push the boundaries of the genre helped to make Metallica’s music even more interesting and diverse.
Overall, Jason Newsted’s contributions to the metal genre were significant. He was a powerful and distinctive bassist, a creative songwriter and a major influence on the development of the Metallica sound. He helped to shape the band’s sound during his tenure and expand the boundaries of the genre. He is widely considered to be one of the most important and influential metal bassists of his generation. His contributions will be remembered for years to come.
