Guitar players are usually more recognized for their talent, but we can't ever ignore how important a bass player is for a metal band, providing a link between the rhythm and melody of a song, while also creating iconic signature sounds. On the same note of our list of Best Metal Drummers of 2025, we decided to create a list of the 20 best Metal Bass Players:
Doris Yeh (Chthonic)
Doris Yeh is known for her powerful playing and stage presence. She plays a crucial role in Chthonic's success blending traditional Asian instruments with metal. Doris often plays custom ESP basses.
Mike Leon (Soulfly)
His playing style is aggressive yet precise, and he often uses Ibanez basses.
Jeroen Paul Thesseling (Obscura)
Jeroen Paul Thesseling is known for his fretless bass playing and technical proficiency. He pushes the boundaries in technical death metal and plays Warwick basses.
Paolo Gregoletto (Trivium)
Paolo Gregoletto provides solid bass lines and melodic sensibility in Trivium.
Frank Bello (Anthrax)
Frank Bello is a cornerstone of Anthrax's sound with his energetic playing and solid groove, mixing punk and metal influences.
Shavo Odadjian (System of a Down)
Shavo Odadjian's aggressive playing style and unique stage presence are key to System of a Down's success. He uses Gibson Thunderbird basses.
Rex Brown (Pantera)
Rex Brown's muscular bass work is a hallmark of Pantera's sound. He plays Spector basses known for their powerful tone.
Ryan Martinie (Mudvayne)
Although Mudvayne had their ups and downs, almost everyone agrees that Ryan Martinie's bass lines set him apart in the metal world. He uses Warwick basses.
Nick Schendzielos (Job for a Cowboy, Cephalic Carnage)
Nick Schendzielos is known for his technical skill and innovative approach. He often uses Ibanez basses for their versatility.
Robert Trujillo (Metallica)
Robert Trujillo's playing style and stamina are well-suited to Metallica and he's been quite welcomed since joining the band. He often uses Warwick and Zon basses.
Troy Sanders (Mastodon)
Troy Sanders blends various musical influences in Mastodon, which brings some of their uniqueness to the genre.
Evan Brewer (ex-The Faceless)
Evan Brewer's technical skill makes him a highly respected bassist in the progressive metal scene. His solo work showcases his ability to blend different musical styles and techniques.
Emma Anzai (Sick Puppies, Evanescence)
Emma Anzai brings a dynamic and energetic presence to her performances with Sick Puppies and Evanescence. She uses Fender and Music Man basses.
Mia Wallace (Nervosa)
Mia Wallace's powerful and aggressive playing style has been a key element in her work with Nervous. She often uses Fender Precision basses.
John Myung (Dream Theater)
John Myung's technical skill in Dream Theater is widely recognized. He often plays custom Ernie Ball Music Man basses.
Alex Webster (Cannibal Corpse)
Alex Webster's speed, precision, and creativity define his playing in Cannibal Corpse. He uses Spector and Modulus basses.
Geezer Butler (Black Sabbath)
We don't have much to say about Geezer Butler's style, besides the fact that he basically helped define what Metal music sounds like.
Les Claypool (Primus)
Les Claypool's unconventional approach is what people mostly remember about him, but he's an incredibly talented bass player and has influenced many other artists. He plays custom Carl Thompson basses.
Justin Chancellor (Tool)
Justin Chancellor's unique tone and rhythmically complex style are integral to Tool's sound. He uses Wal basses.
Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)
Steve Harris's bass lines and songwriting prowess are iconic in Iron Maiden. He uses Fender Precision basses.
Artists: Anthrax, Black Sabbath, Cannibal Corpse, Chtonic, Dream Theater, Evanescence, Iron Maiden, Job for a Cowboy, mastodon, Metallica, Mudvayne, Nervous, Obscure, Panther, Primus, Soulfly, System of a Down, Tool, Trivium