The Top 10 Funk Bass Players of All Time

Could your bass grooves use a jolt of funk?

You're not alone.

Unleashing rhythms that make even the most stoic heads nod in approval—that's the power of funk!

And there’s no better way to develop your own funky style than to listen to the legendary funk bass players, get inspired, and study them…

Even if you’re learning bass guitar as a beginner!

Every thump, slap, and groove they play is a lesson waiting to be absorbed.

So if you’re ready to meet the maestros, buckle up because we're about to embark on a journey through the pantheon of funk bass legends.

All these players redefined what it means to lay down the low end.

Let's get funky!

Originally published on April 11th, 2020, this article was updated and republished on December 21st, 2023.

Let’s kick things off with the pioneer of slap bass himself.

Graham added a turbocharger to the bass guitar, transforming it into an energetic, percussive force.

His innovative style took the bass from a background instrument to a lead character in the story of music.

Graham's playing on the track "POW," showcases how he blends rhythm and melody in a way that makes you rethink the role of bass in music.

If you were around during the '90s, then Zender's name sparks nostalgia!

He stormed onto the scene with the band Jamiroquai, leaving everyone wondering, "Who is this guy?"

He brought a fresh vibe into the music industry by intertwining funk, jazz, and disco.

Check out Zender’s groove on the track "Mr. Moon" in 1997.

Bootsy Collins is the embodiment of funk.

He’s the kind of funk bass player that makes you realize the bass can be the coolest instrument in the band. With his star-shaped glasses and outlandish outfits, Collins doesn't just play funk—he lives it!

His work with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic showcases his style that's both playful and powerful.

His performance on the track Stretchin' Out, says it all.

Marcus Miller is a sorcerer on the bass!

He’s played with other legends like Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, and Luther Vandross. But it’s his solo work that earned him his spot on this list.

His riff on track Detroit is one of my favorites.

His double thumb technique (slapping with the thumb both on the downstroke and upstroke) adds a new dimension to funk bass playing.

And it’s a reminder that funk can be deeply rooted in tradition while also being innovative.

We all knew that Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers would be on this list—It was only a matter of time!

As an iconic funk bass player, he brings a punk rock energy to funk bass playing.

His style of playing is raw, aggressive, and always full of surprises. It challenges the notion that funk has to be smooth and polished.

And yet, there's a precision and thoughtfulness to his lines. Just look at any of the Chili Peppers songs and you’ll find a ton of music theory behind the magic.

Watching Flea as a kid was one of the reasons I picked up the bass in the first place. He’s an incredible bassist who you can learn a lot from by listening to his work.

Francis's playing with Tower of Power is like a masterclass in groove, feel, and timing.

With Prestia, it's all about subtlety. His fingerstyle technique creates a smooth and solid foundation for the rest of the band.

Listening to him, you realize that sometimes the most powerful playing is NOT the loudest or the most complex, but the one that holds everything together.

His bass line on ‘What is hip?’ is one of the best I’ve ever heard!

In 1980, The Brothers Johnson released “STOMP!”. A performance that oozed groove and cool—despite the '80s spandex fashion!

It’s one of my favorite bass solos to watch.

It was also the first time we got to hear the left-hand percussion that’s so common in slap bass today!

Louis Johnson was a pioneer and helped shape what funk is today. He pushed bass playing to a new level and gave us some timeless classics.

George Porter Jr. is the epitome of laid-back, New Orleans-style funk.

His playing is like a slow-burning fire, warm and inviting. Porter's approach to funk bass playing is less about technical flash and more about feel and groove.

His track ‘Cissy Strut’ with The Meters is one of the most iconic bass intros ever, and that’s why he’s on this list.

Edwards lays down (arguably) one of the best bass intros of all time, on the track ‘Everybody Dance’!

He was a ‘thumb and forefinger’ wizard who brought sophistication to disco and funk with his band Chic.

Listening to him play, I’m struck by how he balances simplicity and complexity. His lines are catchy and memorable.

Pro tip: You can play with a pick (instead of your thumb and forefinger) and the riffs sound just as good!

We close our funky journey with Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire.

White is a force of nature on the bass (pun intended).

His playing is explosive, full of energy, and passion—embodying the band's iconic sound and style.

In 1974, he played a bass solo in California which was a moment of pure joy.

His performance is a blend of showmanship and skill that will leave you feeling inspired.

You've just been bombarded with the styles and techniques of the legends that seem light-years away from you.

So you might be wondering: "How can I ever get that good?"

Here's the deal—every one of these funk bass player titans started where you are now.

They had doubts, they fumbled notes, and yes, they were beginners too!

But they found their groove, their unique voice, and so can you.

The key to getting to your next level is to keep showing up and keep practicing.

But if you’re trying to get your bass playing to the next level, then you’ll need more than just inspiration.

So to help you ramp up the results you see from your practice sessions, I put together some free resources for you.

You can get them all by downloading your free bass toolkit today!