Best Basslines in Rock Music

Modern hip-hop and regional film music, where bass plays a major role through synthesized low-frequency parts and programmed rhythms, are frequently the main genres that contemporary students listen to. But the conceptual underpinnings of bass-driven music precede these technologies, as evidenced by vintage rock recordings.

The bass guitar's function in rock music changed from being solely supportive to becoming a key component that is in charge of groove, harmonic movement, and rhythmic coherence. The sophisticated use of repetition, syncopation, tone shaping, and interaction with percussion is evident in many classic rock basslines. These techniques are still essential to contemporary music creation.

A number of historically important rock basslines are featured in this article; they were picked for their technical significance and melodic impact. The goal is to examine these pieces as useful musical models that continue to influence modern genres, such as hip-hop and film music, rather than seeing them as historical objects.

1. Queen - Another One Bites The Dust

Bassist: John Deacon

Band: Queen

Year: 1980

Album: The Game

The bass line in “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen, played by John Deacon, is one of the most iconic in rock music because it drives the entire song. Instead of supporting the guitars, the bass takes the lead with a simple, repeating groove infl uenced by funk and disco, which was unusual for rock at the time. Played on a Fender Precision Bass, the tone is deep, clean, and tightly locked with the drums, creating a strong, danceable rhythm. What makes this bass line special is its minimalism and consistency—it shows how “less is more,” proving that a bass line doesn’t need complexity to be powerful, memorable, and central to a song’s identity.

2. Fleetwood Mac - The Chain

Bassist: John McVie

Band: Fleetwood Mac

Year: 1977

Album: Rumours

The bass line in “The Chain” by Fleetwood Mac, played by John McVie, is one of the most powerful and memorable examples of bass in rock music because it serves both a supportive and dramatic role within the song. For most of the track, the bass stays restrained and subtle, reinforcing the harmony and leaving space for vocals and atmosphere, but in the final section it comes forward with a heavy, driving riff that completely changes the energy of the song. This closing bass line is built on strong, sustained notes with a steady rhythm that locks tightly with the drums, creating a sense of tension, unity, and momentum. What makes this bass so special is its dynamic impact—the way it waits patiently before taking control—showing how the bass can shape the emotional arc of a rock song, not through complexity, but through timing, weight, and musical restraint.

3. Pink Floyd - Money

Bassist: Roger Waters

Band: Pink Floyd

Year: 1973

Album: The Dark Side of the Moon

The bass line in “Money” by Pink Floyd, played by Roger Waters, is one of the most distinctive and innovative bass parts in rock history because it defines both the rhythm and character of the song. Built around an unusual 7/4 time signature, the bass introduces the song with a looping riff that feels mechanical and hypnotic, perfectly matching the track’s theme of greed and materialism. Waters uses a punchy, slightly gritty tone and emphasizes strong accents and space between notes, allowing the bass to interact tightly with the drums and sound effects. What makes this bass line so special is how it combines odd meter, repetition, and groove, proving that a bass line can be intellectually complex while still being catchy and central to a rock song’s identity.

4. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Give It Away

Bassist: Flea (Michael Balzary)

Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Year: 1991

Album: Blood Sugar Sex Magik

The bass line in “Give It Away” by Red Hot Chili Peppers, played by Flea (Michael Balzary), is a landmark example of funk-influenced bass in rock music. Flea uses aggressive slap and pop techniques, rapid rhythmic accents, and a raw, percussive tone to drive the song forward, making the bass the primary rhythmic and melodic force rather than a background instrument. The line is repetitive but highly energetic, locking tightly with the drums while leaving space for vocals and guitar, which reinforces the song’s groove-heavy, danceable feel. What makes this bass so special is its fusion of funk technique with rock attitude, showcasing how virtuosic, rhythm-focused bass playing can dominate a rock track and define a band’s signature sound.

5. The Who - My Generation

Bassist: John Entwistle

Band: The Who

Year: 1965

Album: My Generation

The bass line in “My Generation” by The Who, played by John Entwistle, is groundbreaking in rock history because it completely redefined the role of the bass guitar. Entwistle, often called “Thunder fingers,” uses fast, aggressive lead-style bass playing with rapid runs, high-register notes, and a bright, cutting tone that stands out clearly in the mix. Rather than simply supporting the rhythm or chords, the bass actively competes with the guitar and vocals, reflecting the song’s rebellious energy. What makes this bass so special is that it was one of the first times the bass was treated as a lead instrument in rock, influencing generations of bassists and helping establish the bass guitar as a powerful, expressive voice in rock music.

6. Yes - Roundabout

Bassist: Chris Squire

Band: Yes

Year: 1971

Album: Fragile

The bass line in “Roundabout” by Yes, played by Chris Squire, is one of the most influential and technically impressive bass performances in progressive rock. Squire uses a bright, aggressive tone with a pick, heavy attack, and melodic phrasing that allows the bass to function almost like a lead instrument. Rather than simply outlining chords, the bass moves independently with complex runs, syncopation, and counter-melodies that interact closely with drums and keyboards. What makes this bass so special is its clarity, speed, and melodic dominance—it pushes the boundaries of what bass could do in rock, helping defi ne the progressive rock style and inspiring countless bassists to approach the instrument as both a rhythmic and melodic voice.

7. N.I.B. - Black Sabbath

Bassist: Geezer Butler

Band: Black Sabbath

Year: 1970

Album: Black Sabbath

The bass line in “N.I.B.” by Black Sabbath, played by Geezer Butler, is one of the most influential bass performances in heavy rock and early metal because it places the bass at the forefront with power and expression. The song opens with the famous bass intro (often called “Bassically”), where Butler uses a wah pedal and blues-influenced phrasing to create a dark, expressive lead sound before the full band enters. Throughout the song, the bass closely follows and reinforces the heavy guitar riffs while adding rhythmic drive and low-end weight, helping defi ne Black Sabbath’s dark, heavy sound. What makes this bass so special is its prominent tone, use of effects, and lead-style introduction, which showed that bass could be dramatic, expressive, and essential to the foundation of heavy metal.

8. Rush - YYZ

Bassist: Geddy Lee

Band: Rush

Year: 1981

Album: Moving Pictures

The bass line in “YYZ” by Rush, played by Geddy Lee, is a defining example of technical mastery and musical intelligence on the bass guitar in rock. From the opening Morse-code rhythm spelling “YYZ,” the bass plays a highly active role, combining fast fingerstyle technique, complex riffs, and shifting time signatures while remaining tightly locked with the drums. Geddy Lee’s bright, articulate tone allows every note to cut through clearly, even during the song’s most intricate sections. What makes this bass so special is its fusion of virtuosity, precision, and groove—the bass is not just supporting the song but functioning as an equal melodic and rhythmic voice, setting a benchmark for progressive and technical rock bass playing.

9. The Beatles - Come Together

Bassist: Paul McCartney

Band: The Beatles

Year: 1969

Album: Abbey Road

The bass line in “Come Together” by The Beatles, played by Paul McCartney, is one of the most creative and influential bass parts in rock music because of its melodic freedom and distinctive tone. McCartney uses a deep, rounded sound and plays a sliding, syncopated line that moves independently from the guitar, giving the song its laid-back yet mysterious groove. Rather than simply outlining chords, the bass acts as a melodic counterpoint to the vocals, constantly evolving while still anchoring the rhythm. What makes this bass so special is how it blends simplicity, melody, and feel, showing that bass can be expressive and song-focused while remaining instantly recognizable.

10. Chic - Good Times

Bassist: Bernard Edwards

Band: Chic

Year: 1979

Album: Risqué

The bass line in “Good Times” by Chic, played by Bernard Edwards, is one of the most influential bass grooves in modern music and a cornerstone of funk and dance-oriented rock/pop crossover. The line is built on a smooth, syncopated groove with precise note placement, muted ghost notes, and a relaxed yet driving feel that locks perfectly with the drums. Rather than being fl ashy, Edwards focuses on feel, timing, and groove, creating a bass part that is instantly recognizable and endlessly repeatable without losing energy. What makes this bass so special is its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication—it became the foundation for countless funk, rock, and pop bass lines and was famously sampled in early hip-hop, proving the bass can carry a song, a genre, and even influence entire musical movements.