Top 10 Female Bass Players of All Time

Do you think the bass world is just a boys club?

Think again!

It’s no surprise that there are some seriously talented female bass players out there—and they’ve been defining the music industry for decades.

These women are the real deal. They’ve shattered stereotypes, redefined what bass mastery means, and produced some of the sickest bass lines ever.

Today, I’m spotlighting 10 women I consider to be the greatest bass players of all time—and I think you’ll agree with me.

Originally published on March 28th, 2020, this article was updated and republished on December 20th, 2023.

If you're into a blend of funk and soul, Nik West should be on your radar.

Known for her remarkable slap bass technique, her playing style is bold, expressive, and undeniably groovy. Her approach is heavily influenced by funk and soul music, yet she incorporates elements of rock and pop.

Her resume includes working with legends like Prince and John Mayer.

When I listen to her play, I can’t help but recognize the influence Prince had on her music.

On top of that, her stage presence is absolutely electric and never disappoints!

Ever heard of Beyoncé?

Divinity Roxx was the bassist and musical director for Beyoncé's all-female band. She toured the world and performed in some of the most high-profile shows—including the Super Bowl halftime show!

Beyond that, she’s collaborated with Will.i.am. and Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, to name a few.

Roxx is also an amazing solo artist, who can jam out to almost any musical genre. Her playing style is a mix of hip-hop and rock. She’s known for creating complex rhythms with a strong sense of groove.

As a testament to her versatility, just check out how gifted she is at both singing and playing bass.

Simply put, Divinity Roxx is redefining what being a bass player in today's music world means.

Here's a name that might not ring a bell immediately, but Mohini Dey is a powerhouse in the bass world. She’s a gifted musician and an amazing source of inspiration if you’re ever looking to try something new.

Also, Dey’s technique is off the charts! You can learn so much from watching her work her magic on the fretboard.

Her style is a blend of traditional Indian music and modern jazz (Indian jazz fusion). And to say she brings a unique flavor to the table is an understatement.

Her dexterity and playing speed on the bass are mind-blowing. If you get the chance to see her perform live, take it!

When Jeff Beck picks you as his bassist, you know you're doing something right!

Tal Wilkenfeld is an Australian wonder, known for her work with Beck and various other big artists like Herbie Hancock, Prince, and Eric Clapton.

Like all the bassists who performed with Beck, she’s incredibly dynamic.

Her playing style is deeply rooted in jazz, but it also encompasses elements of rock and blues—which she blends seamlessly to form her own genre.

Just check out her live performance to see what I mean.

If you’re a jazz lover, then you’ve GOT to be listening to Spalding.

As a Grammy Award-winning bassist and vocalist, she’s celebrated primarily for her solo career.

While she’s best known for her significant contributions to jazz she’s also performed alongside renowned artists such as Prince, Herbie Hancock, and Wayne Shorter.

Spalding's playing style is a sophisticated fusion of jazz and classical music—old-school charm with a modern twist. Her skills as a vocalist add an extra layer of depth to her music, making her a unique artist in the contemporary jazz scene.

Funky, groovy, and downright cool—that’s Ida Nielsen for you.

Every time I hear her play I’m just blown away at her ability to play in the pocket. (Hitting notes at the perfect time to groove with the drums.)

Nielsen is also known for her time playing with Prince’s band New Power Generation (NPG) and 3rdeyegirl.

Her style is deeply rooted in Funk (like anyone who’s played with Prince), but it's also infused with elements of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop.

It’s a mix that gives her bass lines a distinctively groovy and rhythmic quality. Just check out her bass lines with the Funkbots! It’s the heartbeat of the music.

Meshell Ndegeocello is a renowned bassist and singer-songwriter known for her genre-defying style.

While she’s gained some serious praise for her solo work, Ndegeocello has played alongside some iconic artists including John Mellencamp, Madonna, Chaka Khan, and The Rolling Stones.

Her ability to adapt to different musical contexts and her willingness to explore has made her a highly sought-after bassist in the music industry.

Her style blends soul, jazz, rock, R&B, funk, AND hip-hop. Just check out her riff (and vocals) on the track The Way.

Rhonda Smith is a highly accomplished bass player who’s proven that she can groove with the best of the best.

Her impressive career includes working with both legends Prince and Jeff Beck.

While her style is a mix of funk, jazz, and rock influences, she’s known for her exceptional technical skills—especially her fingerstyle technique. On top of that, she can also effortlessly switch between different musical genres.

Her bass lines are both rhythmic and melodic, and I often find myself impressed by her ability to play in the pocket.

When you play with David Bowie, you’re in a league of your own.

Gail Ann Dorsey is THAT bassist.

She played with Bowie for over two decades until he passed away—which is a testament to her adaptability and skill since his music was ever-changing.

She’s also celebrated for her vocals as well as her collabs with some of the music industry's most iconic figures, including Tears for Fears, Indigo Girls, Gwen Stefani, and Lenny Kravitz.

Dorsey's style is a blend of rock, soul, and pop. She’s got a unique ability to create bass lines that are both foundational and inventive—adding an extra layer of depth and emotion to the music.

She’s no doubt one of the most respected bassists in the music industry!

Imagine being the bassist behind some of the most iconic songs of the 60s and 70s.

That’s Carol Kaye for you.

She was a key member of the renowned group of session musicians known as the Wrecking Crew, based in Los Angeles.

Through this group, she contributed to a MASSIVE number (over 10,000!) of recording sessions.

In other words, she’s played with everybody. Literally.

Here’s a short list of some of the artists she worked with:

She even worked on the soundtrack of the hit 70s show M*A*S*H.

Carol didn’t just play bass…

She laid down the foundation of music history.

Unfortunately, it’s hard to find many videos of Carol playing. So I made a video breaking down her bass line on “Good Vibrations”.

You may have noticed a trend with some of these female bassists.

And it wasn’t that they started earlier, or that they were born with more talent.

“What was their advantage?” you ask.

Well, they played with (and learned from) some of the greatest musicians alive.

Whether it was Beck, Prince, David Bowie, or the Wrecking Crew…

None of these women reached fame and fortune by practicing in a vacuum.

They had help and guidance from some of the music industry’s most talented artists.

And that’s exactly why I created the SBL Academy.

It’s loaded with courses by some of the best and most talented bass players on the planet. Plus it gives you access to a community of bass enthusiasts just like you.

So you can learn session musician secrets to build your technique and create your own grooves.

If that’s something you’re interested in, you can try the SBL Academy free for 14 days!