Steve PMHIf you are not familiar with musical terminology, you might not even have a clue what a bass line is.
A bass line is typically the pace setter for the song. It is usually a lower repeated tone on the bass guitar.
However, when talking about funky bass lines there is a bit of a twist.
Funky bass lines have more of an uptempo rhythm due to the fact that funk is typically a little quicker in pace.
We will be reviewing and counting down the 55 best funky bass lines of all time. So hold on to your seat belt and nose because we are about to get funky!
#55 The Gap Band – You Dropped A Bomb On Me
The Gap Band’s You Dropped A Bomb On Me is a loved and admired classic in the funk community.
This hit song was released in 1982 and reached number 2 on the Billboard R&B, number #39 on the dance charts, and #31 on the Billboard Hot 100.
This classic song is still a very recognizable tune that is sure to get the crowd moving.
The electrical sound of the bass line makes it one of the most distinguished and recognizable bass lines of all time.
#54 Funkadelic – (Not Just) Knee Deep
Funkadelic’s (Not Just) Knee Deep includes one of the most fascinating bass lines in the history of Funk.
This unique bass line is broken down into three parts.
It starts with the intro, transitions into the main groove and shifts back to a completely different rhythm to bridge the solo. Genius!
Considering that the song is 15 minutes long a good variety on the bass line was the perfect choice.
This classic hit released in 1979 but has been sampled many times up to date. That alone makes this song timeless.
#53 Kool & the Gang – Get Down On It
I can’t speak for your family barbecues but if you attended one of mines you were bound to hear this song.
Get Down On It became a hit when it released in 1981. This bass line is tuned at EADG or standard tuning.
The bass line intro also doubles as a bridge inside the song. This bass line is played alternating multiple notes and frets to an uptempo paced song.
Next is the main riff which decreases the amount of notes being used as it alternates between E, open E, open A, and 5th fret.
This riff is repeated throughout the majority of the tune. Even people who do not possess dancing skills tend to want to groove to this immortal tune.
#52 The Isley Brothers – Fight the Power
The Isley Brothers were telling everyone to “fight the power” warning people about government corruption and other serious issues.
The beauty of music is being able to express these controversial issues in a way that is artistic and appeals to individuals.
The Isley Brothers released this song in 1975 and this bass line is definitely for the more skilled bassist.
This bass has a wide range and is not by any means a slow paced song, The bass line is certainly a celebrated one.
#51 James Brown – Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud
James Brown’s Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud has been a renowned hit in the African American community for a great number of years.
Originally releasing in 1969 this song was made out to be a ego booster for a group of oppressed people.
The bass line of Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud has a certain kick to it especially when it transitions to the bridge.
The bass and the electric are going back and forth as if they’re having a conversation. Charles Sherrell did an exquisite job as the bassist in this powerful piece.
#50 Rufus & Chaka Khan – Ain’t Nobody
The manner in which the base introduces Ain’t Nobody is absolutely thrilling.
When the bass speeds up during the chorus, it takes the song to a whole different level.
The energy of the bass is what makes this one of the best bass lines of all times. Releasing in 1983 it has appeared in many movies and is globally famous.
Although the genre of this song is technically considered Pop, the bass line is certainly having a funk style.
#49 Aretha Franklin – Rocksteady
This groovy bass line is almost in the forefront of this song.
The bass becomes very distinguished when Aretha Franklin pauses her lyrics. The bass takes over and gives the song an incredible presence.
Chuck Rainey really came on strong setting the tone with the bass.
This song peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and a solid second at Billboard’s Soul Singles.
#48 The Meters – Just Kissed My Baby
This simple bass line is very elegant and is a major facet in this huge song.
George Porter did a good job on bass while also coordinating well with guitarist Leo Nocentelli.
The switch up of the bass during the verse has an incredible twist that then smoothly transitions to the normal bass line.
An absolute ingenious piece of work from the bassist in this piece.
#47 Brothers Johnson – Get The Funk Outta My Face
This may be a bass guitarist’s favorite bass line to cover.
This bass line is not played on lower scale notes like traditional bass lines but its catchy nonetheless.
This bass line includes a wide range of notes at rapid pace so a bassist had better make sure those fingers are ready to move.
This bass line does not need much time to build up because it is the tone-setter right at the very beginning of the song.
#46 Edwin Starr – War
Amidst the Vietnam War, Edwin Starr had enough to courage to deliver this almost protest-like song against war.
This song was released in 1970 promoting peace with Edwin Starr’s raspy and rough voice.
This bass line is one that. This bass line almost resembles war drums sounding off before battle.
A great theme for the concept of the song.
#45 The Commodores – Brick House
Releasing in 1977 “Brick House” came with an entirely different funk.
A large part of this funkiness is the bass line controlling the tempo of the sound.
Striking on the lower scale of notes for this bass, it has one of the most recognizable bass lines in music.
When at first the bass starts with a rhythmical patter then simplifies during the verse to give more attention to the lyrics.
#44 The Ohio Players – Fire
This next song released in November of 1974 and caused heat waves throughout the fall skies.
With Marshall “Rock” Jones on the bass line Fire became a sensation in the Funk community.
The bass does a great job keeping the energy exciting throughout the song.
When the lyrics cease for a short period of time in the song the bass does a great job of picking the song up and continuing the funk.
#43 Average White Band – Pick Up the Pieces
This next band was far from average despite their name.
Alan Gorrie was the original bass player and did a excellent job with vocals and guitar as well.
The bass line in Pick Up the Pieces is almost as iconic as the chant “pick up the pieces” right before the saxophone solo.
Releasing in 1974 in the UK, Pick Up the Pieces topped out at number 20 on the Billboard.
#42 Marvin Gaye – Got To Give It Up
Once this next song comes on there “ain’t no more standing on the side of the wall”. The deep notes on the bass compliment Marvin Gaye’s falsetto very nicely.
Got To Give It Up topped the Billboard 100 at the number one spot and was ranked as the No. 20 song of 1977.
The bass line was sampled in Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” and was a job well done by Marvin Gaye, doubling as the vocals and bass.
#41 Kool and the Gang – Jungle Boogie
Right after the intro and before the chorus in “Jungle Boogie” is the bass solo with the other instruments backing the bass up.
Bursting onto the scene November 24th 1973, “Jungle Boogie” peaked at number 4 on the Billboard in 1974.
Billboard ranked this song the 12th best song of 1974 despite being on top of the Billboard 36 times.
#40 Lyn Collins – Think
This next bass line is also simple but is nothing short of ceaseless.
Written by the legendary James Brown, this song has an incredible bass line which is repeated throughout most of the song.
This song was sampled a numerous amount of times since being released in 1972. The funky bass of the song probably had a major role in its popularity.
#39 Kool and the Gang – Funky Stuff
If you haven’t heard of Kool and the Gang by now you should be familiar with them just off of this list.
Releasing at 1973, Robert “Kool” Bell (the bassist) did and awesome job with the bass line in this song.
This bass line is more on the complex side as it has a wide range. Definitely a timeless piece.
#38 Hot Chocolate- You Sexy Thing
Who believes in miracles? Apparently, Tony Wilson did with his play on the bass guitar in “You Sexy Thing”.
This song has a blend of funk, disco and soul all in one. The bass in this song is pretty simple even in its renowned solo.
Tony Wilson and Hot Chocolate took the world by storm in October of 1975.
#37 Earth, Wind and Fire – Shining Star
Earth, Wind and Fire wanted everyone to realize their potential in 1975 with their hit song “Shining Star”.
Verdine White was absolutely impeccable on the bass.
Playing these wide range of notes swimmingly while bridging other instruments shows the talent of Verdine White.
The steady pace of the song transitions into quicker, choppy notes to compliment.
#36 The Staple Singers – I’ll Take You There
This bass line is broken down into two different parts. The first part of the bass line alternates between notes G, A and C.
This part of the bass line begins in the beginning of the song until it switches to to higher octaves.
The second part of the bass line consists of notes like F#, E, A, G, and F.
This song was released in 1972 and spent a total of 15 weeks on the Billboard. “I’ll Take You There” topped out at #1 on the Billboard top 100.
#35 Wild Cherry – Play That Funky Music
Coming in next is the band Wild Cherry with their hit song “Play That Funky Music”.
Allen Wentz did a marvelous job on bass and Bryan Basset was extraordinary complimenting Wentz from his electric guitar.
Releasing in April of 1976 this song took the Billboard by storm placing first on the Hot 100 and number 1 on Hot Soul Singles.
This timeless classic is a must-have on any top Funk songs.
#34 The Isley Brothers – It’s Your Thing
This trio of funk brothers was no stranger to the Billboard in their time. Matter of fact this song placed at #420 on Rolling Stoner for top 500 songs of all time.
Ernie Isley does a great job especially in his bass solo at the very end of the song.
The Isley brothers were one of the first Funk groups and paved a way for a lot of other Funk artists of that time.
#33 James Brown – Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag
Speaking of paving a way for artists, no other artist probably has paved more roads than the legendary James Brown.
Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag released in 1965, and was actually James Brown’s first song to appear in the Billboard Top 100.
This song also awarded James Brown with his first Grammy for “Best R&B Recording”.
Bernard Odum did an excellent job with the bass on this exemplary piece of work.
#32 Funkadelic – One Nation Under A Groove
Releasing on September 22, 1978 “One Nation Under A Groove” was the 10th project released by the funky band Funkadelic.
“One Nation Under A Groove” was actually the name of the entire album, which was Funkadelic’s most successful project they released.
Funkadelic was a mix of soul, rock and funk and the instruments display a colorful mix of variety to complement this fantastic bass line.
#31 Herbie Hancock – Chameleon
Although Herbie Hancock was more of a Jazz artist, his song “Chameleon” had an undeniable Funk element to it.
This piece was sampled by other legendary artists such as Tupac Shakur and the bass is what makes this song come alive.
Perfectly complimenting the saxophone the bass keeps a steady funky rhythm to this hybrid song.
#30 Carl Carlton – She’s A Bad Mama Jama
Released in the later years of the Funk era comes Carl Carlton’s “She’s A Bad Mama Jama”.
This song allowed Carl Carlton to be nominated for a Grammy and went gold in its release date, 1981,
This song also charted in other countries such as the U.K and New Zealand.
One of the more memorable bass lines, recognizable by its extremely deep notes.
#29 Stevie Wonder – Higher Grounds
Appearing on Stevie Wonder’s album, “Innervisions”, this song placed number 4 on Billboard Hot 100 and placed number 1 on Hot Soul Singles.
This bass line was provided by Moog synthesizer while using overdubs.
It is fascinating to know that Stevie Wonder played all the instruments involved with this production.
Higher Ground has a spooky spiritual element to it, especially considering it was recorded shortly before Stevie Wonder almost died in an accident.
#28 The Meters – Cissy Strut
The focus on this next song are the instruments because there are not any lyrics with this 1969 Funk instrumental.
“Cissy Strut” placed number 4 on the R&B chart and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2011.
The bass line in this song is smooth and accented due to the fact that it is the base of this lyric-less song.
#27 Chaka Khan & Rufus – Tell Me Something Good
This next song was written by the legendary Stevie Wonder, with Al Ciner on the bass guitar.
This song was released in 1974 and capped at number 3 on the Billboard Top 100.
The beautiful bass play goes well with the chorus and metallic-like guitar play that is also featured in this Funk classic.
#26 The Whispers – Rocksteady
Not to be confused with Aretha Franklin’s “Rocksteady”, The Whispers came with a different kind of funk in this renowned piece.
“Rocksteady” is a part of a newer age of funk music. Releasing in 1987, “Rocksteady” was The Whispers highest charting song.
Placing number 1 for Black Singles, and placing 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 this song broke ground with its funky freshness.
#25 Zapp & Roger – More Bounce To The Ounce
Releasing right in the new age of Funk (1980) “More Bounce To The Ounce” has a very electrical feel to it.
The bass line is set at a very low tone to go with the higher-pitched electrical guitar.
“More Ounce To The Bounce” only peaked at number 86 on the Billboard Top 100, but the bass line has to be of the most compelling components of the song.
#24 Parliament – Give Up The Funk
Originally titled “Tear The Roof Off This Sucker”, this funk masterpiece was in 1975 on Parliament’s “Mothership” album.
“Give Up The Funk” was the highest charting single on the album coming in on the Billboard at number 5 on Hot Soul Singles and reaching 15th on the Billboard Hot 100.
The bass line is the high point of “Give Up The Funk” and accents the other instruments very nicely.
#23 Mtume – Juicy Fruit
“Juicy Fruit” reached the Billboard for Hot Black Singles on June 4th, 1983 and held its spot for eight weeks.
The song was made even more famous by rapper Notorious B.I.G in the 90’s.
The bass line is simple and direct but it gets the job done in the timeless anthem.
#22 Curtis Mayfield – Superfly
Joseph Luck Scott did an amazing job on bass on the entire “Superfly” album.
He helped this project become one of Curtis Mayfield’s most successful albums.
Releasing in 1972 “Superfly” is the epitome of what Funk was representing in the 70’s.
#21 Sly And The Family Stone – Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself Again
No only is this song a mouthful, the bass line is just about as strong as any other funk song of its time.
Listening to the bass precede the lyrics gives the listener no choice but to start a head nod.
Releasing in the earlier times of Funk music, Sly and The Family Stone put this golden oldie out in 1969.
Billboard placed this record at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100.
#20 Dyke And The Blazers – Funky Broadway
Also another pioneer for the Funk movement was Dyke And The Blazers with “Funky Broadway”.
The song released in 1966 and was one of their more successful records.
The bass in this absolutely played a substantial part of the song’s success in the 60’s.
#19 James Brown – Out of Sight
Releasing in 1964 “Out of Sight”, it is safe to say James Brown paved a way for future Funk artists to continue carrying the torch.
Bernard Odum made his presence felt on bass through his immaculate play.
The build-up pauses and picking up where he left off makes this piece a special one on the bass line.
#18 The Temptations – Papa Was A Rolling Stone
“Papa Was A Rolling Stone” went number one on the Billboard top 100 and won three Grammys.
An incredible accomplishment in itself! You can feel the emotion from this song solely off of the bass play.
A mix of sorrow, pain and confusion into an uptempo style song.
#17 James Brown – Out Of Sight
Recorded and released in 1964, “Out of Sight” had all around incredible instrument play.
Like in many other songs, the great Bernard Odum was the individual responsible for the incredible bass play.
“Out of Sight” reached number 24 on the Billboard.
# 16 Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers – Bustin Loose
Releasing in 1979, “Bustin Loose” was the name of Chuck Brown and The Soul Searchers entire album.
However the single was no doubt one of the more popular songs in the album thanks to Jerry Wilder with the catchy bass line.
#15 Bill Withers – Use Me
Peaking at number 2 on the Billboard, Bill Withers “Use Me” was his second biggest hit in the U.S.
It reached number 2 on the Billboard only behind Michael Jackson.
Releasing in August of 1972 this song made waves through the Funk community upon its release.
Incredible bass play earned this song a number 15 spot on our list today.
#14 Gap Band – Burn Rubber on Me
Although this song only peaked at number 84 on the Billboards, if you take a listen and just listen to the bass you will quickly understand why this bass line is ranked in the top 15 on our list.
The upbeat pace of the bass guitar makes the song’s other elements fall in line.
#13 Diana Ross – Upside Down
“Upside Down” was a huge international hit for Diana Ross in 1980. Placing number 1 on Billboards Hot 100 the bass play in this is absolutely impeccable.
This song has won many award throughout different genres which goes to show the versatility of the bass play.
#12 Eddie Kendricks – Keep On Trucking
“Keep On Trucking” describe Eddie Kendricks’ situation perfectly after leaving The Temptations.
This hit song placed number on Billboard Hot 100 and R&B Singles when it released back in 1973.
#11 The Temptations – Ball of Confusion
Billboard ranked “Ball of Confusion” at 24th on the Hot 100. Releasing in 1970, “Ball Of Confusion” focused on the social issues at the time.
James Jamerson was on the bass line and put the song together nicely with his bass play.
This is what we’ve all been waiting for. The top 10 bass lines of all time!
Remember these are ranked solely on bass lines not the whole song. So without further ado here they go:
#10 Cameo – Word Up!
Beginning our top 10 list is Cameo’s “Word Up!”. This song came out in 1982 and was released on Cameo’s album also title “Word Up”.
“Word Up” peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Top 100 and placing first on the R&B chart for 3 consecutive weeks.
Bassist Larry Blackmon played exceptionally well on the bass line of “Word Up!” His bass performance helped make “Word Up!” what it grew to be.
#9 Mystic Merlin – Haunting You
One of the more recent releases on our list is Mystic Merlin’s “Haunting You”.
This song did not make it on the Billboards by any means but the bass line in this song was so masterful it deserved a spot on the top 10.
Freddie Jackson’s was unparalleled on the bass guitar. The entire song’s creativity based from Freddie Jackson’s play on the bass.
#8 Secret Weapon – Must Be The Music
Although this next group did not have a very long career, they were able to produce a quality song in “Must Be The Music”.
Jerome Prister doubled on both the vocals and the bass guitar.
Having both responsibilities, he was sure to make the vocals and bass blend together nicely. The bass line is certainly the highlight of this song.
#7 Shalamar – Make That Move
This next group started off as a disco group before branching off to the soul and funk genre.
If you are watching a bassist play the bass line of “Make That Move” you will notice right away the complexity of the bass.
This bass line is far from simple and you will have to get those fingers moving if you want to keep up on covering bass for this song.
#6 Rick James – Super Freak
Rick James’ “Super Freak” was ranked in the top 500 Songs of All Time.
It charted in multiple countries and was sampled in Grammy-winning song “Can’t Touch This”.
Upon its release in 1981 “Super Freak” made headlines for its provocative lyrics but the bass line was even more provoking.
In fact, the bass line is so iconic one probably be able to know exactly what song is being played solely from the bass guitar.
One of the most quintessential bass lines of all time.
#5 Earth Wind and Fire – In the Stone
“In The Stone” was released in 1979 under Columbia Records. Verdine White was exceptional on the bass with his sharp play on the bass line.
“In The Stone” rose to 23 on the Billboard Top 100 and sits on our top 5 for best funky bass lines.
#4 Kool and the Gang – Fresh
Robert “Kool” Bell was a multi-talented musician playing both bass and saxophone for Kool and the Gang.
Kool and the Gang is no stranger to this list due to the catchy bass lines they would apply to their music.
“Fresh” topped out at number 9 on the Billboard Top 100 in the U.S and topped out at 11th in the UK Top 100.
The bass line in “Fresh” just may be the “freshest” part of the song.
#3 Earth Wind and Fire – September
Once again the play of Verdine White makes its way to our list. “September” was released on November 18th 1978.
“September” reached number 1 on the R&B charts and topped out at number 8 on the Billboard Top 100.
Having a tempo of 126 beats per minute, “September” is a song intended to get the audience out of their chairs.
#2 Michael Jackson – Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough
This next classic was released by Epic Records on July 28th 1979.
Although superstar Michael Jackson gained all of the notoriety if you listen closely to the bass play you will realize Louis Johnson was the star of the song.
The bass simply keeps the song interesting along with complimenting with Michael’s vocals and the other instruments.
“Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” had huge commercial success hitting #1 on just about every music chart imaginable.
#1 The Soul Machine – Twitchie Feet
Finally, last but certainly not least comes The Soul Machine’s “Twitchie Feet”.
What’s amazing about this song was that it released before the Funk golden times coming out in 1968.
This song was way ahead of its time and the bass play is its greatest point.
This instrumental song does not have any lyrics so the instruments are accented even more.
Although “Twitchie Feet” may not be as commercially successful as some of the other songs on the list, the bass line is just as idiosyncratic as any other song released in the Funk genre.
We dare any Funk fan to listen to this bass play without nodding your head!
Conclusion
These are the 55 best funky bass lines of all time.
Given all of the great Funk artists that were gracious enough to bless us with their talent there may have been a few worth mentioning that did not make the list.
Nonetheless every song on the list deserves its spot because of its exquisite bass play.
Bass line is essential in musical pieces because it determines the tempo of the tune and holds all the other instruments accountable.
Even though playing bass may not be as glamorous as being lead vocal, it is just as if not more important.
The importance of bass play reflects in the songs overall production and is in fact the BASE of the every song.
Thank you for taking time to review our list and to all my bassist out there looking to make people groove, just remember, keep the funk alive!
