Looking over the landscape of music history, particularly when focusing on Female Bass Guitar Players, an undeniable truth emerges: we are talking about some of the most exceptional musicians across genres. This isn’t just about celebrating women in bass; it’s about recognizing phenomenal musical talent, period. What’s also striking is the sheer versatility many of these artists possess. Beyond their prowess on the bass, many excel as guitarists, songwriters, and compelling frontwomen. Perhaps, in a world that often defaults to male dominance, these female bass guitar players have had to consistently surpass expectations to earn the recognition they richly deserve.
Keeping this in mind, our curated list of the best female bass guitar players of all time shines a spotlight on the pioneering women who have shaped punk, funk, rock, and beyond. Leading this charge is a musician whose adaptability and skill have cemented her place as one of the most versatile instrumentalists ever.
Here are our Top 25 female bass guitar players who have redefined music.
25: Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading is celebrated as a gifted singer-songwriter, but her multi-instrumentalist talents often go under the radar. Across her classic albums, Armatrading subtly incorporated bass lines, alongside her signature guitar and keyboard work. Her 2018 album, Not Too Far Away, is a testament to her bass playing, filled with the kind of lyrical basslines she once entrusted to session musicians. With a discography that spans jazz, blues, and electric rock, her remarkable versatility cements her position among the best female bass guitar players.
Joan Armatrading – Not Too Far Away (Official Audio)
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24: Kendra Smith (The Dream Syndicate, Opal)
Emerging from the vibrant Los Angeles Paisley Underground scene, Kendra Smith, bassist for The Dream Syndicate, garnered attention akin to the band’s frontman, Steve Wynn. Her departure after their seminal debut album, The Days Of Wine And Roses, marked a shift in the band’s sound. Smith remained a revered figure, crafting a hauntingly beautiful album with Opal and a subsequent solo album, Nine Ways Of Disappearing, before retreating from the limelight. Her ethereal return on The Dream Syndicate’s 2017 reunion album, How Did I Find Myself Here?, was a welcome reappearance of a truly unique female bass guitar player.
23: Suzi Quatro
While perhaps not a household name in the US, Suzi Quatro was a rock icon in the UK, particularly during the glam rock explosion. Her anthems “Can The Can” and “Devil Gate Drive” were the epitome of rock and roll swagger. Digging deeper into music history reveals Quatro’s early days in the Detroit band The Pleasure Seekers. Their single “Never Thought You’d Leave Me” stands as a rare gem of female-fronted garage rock, notably featuring a bass solo intro. Adding to her unique resume, Quatro holds the distinction of being the only female bass guitar player on this list with a recurring role on the iconic TV show Happy Days.
22: Melissa Auf Der Maur (Smashing Pumpkins, Hole)
Melissa Auf Der Maur is a powerhouse bassist known for her ability to seamlessly integrate into and solidify bands navigating turbulent waters. She first joined Hole in the aftermath of Kristen Pfaff’s tragic passing, and later stepped into Smashing Pumpkins following their split with D’arcy Wretzky. Auf Der Maur showcased her adaptability by joining Hole during their most pop-infused era (Celebrity Skin) and Smashing Pumpkins at their most metallic (Machina). Her solo work blends these diverse influences, incorporating elements of prog and punk, highlighting her range as a female bass guitar player.
Auf Der Maur – Followed The Waves
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21: Sean Yseult (White Zombie)
Based out of New Orleans, Sean Yseult is a multifaceted artist. Beyond her bass playing, she is a published author, accomplished photographer, and has a notable presence in the fashion world. As a female bass guitar player, Yseult is known for her gritty tone and raw sensibility, even having collaborated with The Cramps. However, she is most recognized for her long tenure with White Zombie, a band that masterfully fused doom-laden sounds with pure rock and roll energy.
White Zombie – Black Sunshine ft. Iggy Pop
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20: Aimee Mann (’Til Tuesday)
Some might argue against Aimee Mann’s inclusion on a list of female bass guitar players, given her shift away from the instrument since her ’Til Tuesday days. While her songwriting and vocal talents have flourished, and she typically performs with a dedicated bassist (Paul Bryan) in her solo band, her work with Both, her project with Ted Leo, serves as a potent reminder of her bass skills. Mann delivers rapid-fire punk basslines with an innate melodic sensibility, solidifying her place as a noteworthy female bass guitar player.
19: Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde)
Frontwomen who also play bass often seem to have a complex relationship with the instrument. Similar to Juliana Hatfield and Aimee Mann, Johnette Napolitano has occasionally leaned towards guitar on certain albums and tours. However, her status as one of the best female bass guitar players remains firmly intact. The early 90s iteration of Concrete Blonde, featuring Napolitano on bass, Paul Thompson (formerly of Roxy Music) on drums, and Jim Mankey on guitar, was a formidable power trio. They effortlessly transitioned between brooding, goth-infused grooves and celebratory, high-energy rock anthems.
Concrete Blonde – Joey
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18: Kim Deal (Pixies, The Breeders)
For many fans, Kim Deal was the Pixies. While acknowledging the contributions of other band members, Deal’s distinctive sound and stage presence were undeniably central to their original chemistry. Her musical abilities are underscored by the fact that two of Pixies’ most iconic tracks, “Debaser” and “Gigantic,” both begin with prominent bass solos. Furthermore, she showcased her all-around talent by essentially being a one-woman band on her solo project, Pacer By The Amps, released under the moniker The Amps. Deal is undoubtedly a pivotal female bass guitar player in alternative rock history.
Pixies – Gigantic
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17: Gaye Advert (The Adverts)
Gaye Advert, a standout female bass guitar player from the punk explosion, might have achieved even greater recognition had her band, The Adverts, not dissolved after their groundbreaking single, “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes,” and a couple of subsequent releases that, notably, weren’t even distributed in the US. Punk bass was defined by speed and precision, and Gaye Advert was a match for, if not superior to, her male counterparts like Dee Dee Ramone and Glen Matlock in terms of raw skill and energy.
The Adverts Gary Gilmore’s Eyes Live @ Top Of The Pops 1977
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16: Cait O’Riordan (The Pogues)
Imagine the challenge of maintaining order and musical cohesion within a band of acoustic musicians known for their spirited performances and, at times, inebriated state. As the original bassist for The Pogues, Cait O’Riordan had the often-underappreciated role of keeping everyone musically grounded, a task she managed with remarkable success. If The Pogues sounded incredibly tight and together, much of the credit goes to O’Riordan’s steady bass lines. Perhaps the most committed punk rocker in the band’s lineup, her electric bass provided a crucial anchor for their raucous acoustic sound, solidifying her status as a key female bass guitar player.
Wild Cats of Kilkenny
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15: Michele Temple (Pere Ubu)
As the longest-serving bassist in Pere Ubu, and indeed the longest-tenured member besides frontman David Thomas, Michele Temple holds one of the most demanding positions in the “avant-garage” band. Her role is crucial in making Pere Ubu’s most experimental and intricate moments sound immediate and impactful, and conversely, in adding depth to their more accessible tracks. Temple’s bass playing is a vital element of Pere Ubu’s unique and challenging sound, making her a significant female bass guitar player in experimental music.
Pere Ubu, “Come Home”
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14: Sara Lee (Gang Of Four, The B-52s, The League Of Gentlemen)
Sara Lee stands as a pioneer among punk-funk bassists. She was the unsung hero of Robert Fripp’s short-lived dance project, The League Of Gentlemen, where her basslines were the driving force for dancing. She then stepped in to replace Dave Allen in Gang Of Four, a band whose very essence relied on their formidable rhythm section. Later, she added essential low-end to The B-52s’ vibrant sound. Her solo album, Make It Beautiful, demonstrated that Lee is also a talented singer-songwriter in her own right. Lee’s versatility and groove solidify her place as an influential female bass guitar player.
Gang of Four – “I Love a Man in a Uniform” (Live on Rockpalast, 1983) [8/21]
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13: Gail Greenwood (Belly, L7)
Gail Greenwood could be considered the antithesis of the “silent bassist” stereotype. Her stage presence is anything but understated. Recruited from the Providence punk scene to join Belly for their second album, she injected an exuberant live energy (and constantly changing hair colors) into their performances, encouraging frontwoman Tanya Donelly to embrace a more dynamic stage persona. Greenwood later joined L7, fitting right in as a headbanger among headbangers. She also rejoined Belly for their 2018 reunion album, Dove, their first release in 23 years, proving her enduring impact as a dynamic female bass guitar player.
Belly – Gepetto (Video)
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12: Enid Williams/Gil Weston (Girlschool)
Being a bassist in Girlschool automatically earns you recognition as one of the best female bass guitar players. Girlschool were groundbreaking as the first all-female heavy metal band, achieving greater fame in the UK than elsewhere. Enid Williams and Gil Weston share the title as both played bass during the band’s classic period (roughly 1980-85); original member Williams is currently back in the lineup. Girlschool is perhaps best known in the US for their collaboration with Motörhead – and any band endorsed by Lemmy is guaranteed to have a killer bassist, or in this case, two exceptional female bass guitar players across their history.
Girlschool – C’mon Lets Go (Official Music Video)
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11: Abby Travis
The award for ultimate versatility undoubtedly goes to Los Angeles prodigy Abby Travis. In 2011, she was discovered at an obscure prog-rock reunion show featuring bands like Nektar and Brainticket. Travis breathed new life into Brainticket, a freaky Euro/krautrock band, bringing an unprecedented stage presence as a young, goth-styled singer-bassist, despite being decades younger than the rest of the group, Travis fully embraced the band’s psychedelic essence. A year later, she replaced Kathy Valentine in The Go-Go’s. Her touring credits also include Butthole Surfers and Cher (a truly unique combination). Travis’s ability to play anything with anyone makes her a standout female bass guitar player.
“I Put A Spell On You” live Abby Travis
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10: Juliana Hatfield (Blake Babies, Lemonheads, Solo)
Juliana Hatfield is so well-established as a singer-songwriter that her instrumental talents often get overlooked. Yet, she was arguably the most musically gifted member of her first two bands, Blake Babies and The Lemonheads. In both groups, her bass playing is characterized by its fluidity and melodic quality, which producers wisely brought to the forefront in the mix. Listening to The Lemonheads’ It’s A Shame About Ray album reveals how her bass lines propel the entire record forward. Hatfield’s melodic approach makes her a distinctive female bass guitar player.
It’s A Shame About Ray (Remastered)
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9: Laura Kennedy (Bush Tetras)
A band whose anthem proclaims, “You can’t be funky if you haven’t got a soul,” better have a phenomenal bassist. The late Laura Kennedy was precisely that: a key figure in the New York “no wave” movement. Bush Tetras, the closest US counterpart to Gang Of Four, aimed to be both edgy and confrontational while also being a dance band, succeeding admirably on both fronts. Kennedy’s funky and driving bass lines were crucial to their sound, solidifying her legacy as an important female bass guitar player in post-punk.
Bush Tetras Live at Hurrah – 1-30-81
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8: Gail Ann Dorsey
Gail Ann Dorsey is among the rare bassists who seamlessly blend formidable technique with effortless stylistic versatility. Crucially, she prioritizes the song above all else, a hallmark of her playing as the bassist of choice for icons like David Bowie and Tears For Fears, as well as in her own solo work. Dorsey’s signature is her seamless musicality: a combination of impeccable note selection and intuitively weighted groove, so deeply in the pocket that the nuances only fully emerge under close listening. It’s this understated brilliance that truly sets her apart as a top female bass guitar player.
Gail Ann Dorsey – Stop on By – the Tube
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7: Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth)
Kim Gordon is far more than just a “girl in a band.” She is a genuinely groundbreaking musician whose unique voice was indispensable to Sonic Youth’s sound. Her bass tone was instantly recognizable, often providing a grounding presence amidst Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo’s experimental guitar explorations. However, she was equally capable of diving into the sonic fray. Sonic Youth’s epic 20-minute track “The Diamond Sea” demonstrates the sheer power and menacing quality Gordon could extract from her bass, making her a pioneering female bass guitar player in alternative and experimental rock.
Sonic Youth – The Diamond Sea (Live Germany 1996) FULL Song
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6: Rhonda Smith (Prince, Jeff Beck)
Anyone who has witnessed Jeff Beck’s recent tours can attest to the transformative impact Canadian bassist Rhonda Smith has on any band she joins. She entered Prince’s orbit during the Jam Of The Year tour, a period when he moved away from sequencers and embraced raw funk, incorporating James Brown covers alongside his classics. Since then, Smith has largely remained in the funk realm, touring with Chaka Khan and Beyoncé. With Jeff Beck, she has the platform to showcase both her flashy virtuosity and her deep funk foundation, establishing herself as a leading female bass guitar player in contemporary music.
Jeff Beck – “Rhonda Smith” Bass Solo & People Get Ready” – Live Tokyo 2010 [Full HD]
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5: Tina Weymouth (Talking Heads, Tom Tom Club)
Alongside her husband and rhythmic partner Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth was instrumental in injecting groove into the burgeoning new wave movement. There’s a reason Talking Heads were the only CBGB-era band capable of crafting a signature song from an Al Green cover. Notably, the performance of “Genius Of Love” in the film Stop Making Sense is a pinnacle of joyful funk played by a rock band. Weymouth’s innovative and infectious basslines make her a foundational female bass guitar player of the new wave era.
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4: Tal Wilkenfeld
It would be impressive enough if Australian prodigy Tal Wilkenfeld were simply a monster fusion bassist. She proved this through tours with Chick Corea, Jeff Beck, and opening for The Who, where she astounded audiences with a virtuosity reminiscent of rock’s golden age. However, her club shows reveal a broader musicality, moving beyond fusion into sophisticated songwriting, even covering artists like The Smiths and Tom Petty. Wilkenfeld’s exceptional technical skills and diverse musical interests position her as a prominent female bass guitar player pushing boundaries in modern music.
Tal Wilkenfeld – Bass Solo (from Jeff Beck Live at Ronnie Scott’s)
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3: Meshell Ndegeocello
Easily ranking among the best female bass guitar players of all time, Meshell Ndegeocello holds the unique distinction of being the only bassist on this list to have played with The Rolling Stones – and that might be among her lesser achievements. Her groundbreaking work in the early 90s ignited a soul revival and established her as a maverick capable of forging something original and modern from the soul tradition, seamlessly blending pop, rap, and reggae – all underpinned by her signature, incredibly tasty basslines.
2: Esperanza Spalding
It’s fitting that one of today’s most forward-thinking musicians emerged from the jazz world. Esperanza Spalding had already established herself as a world-class singer and one of jazz’s finest female bass guitar players. However, her 2016 concept album, Emily’s D+Evolution, propelled her to a new level of artistic complexity. With its intricate rock sensibilities, R&B influences, and jazz foundations, it’s an immersive album experience, and Spalding’s brilliant bass playing is just one of its many compelling facets.
Esperanza Spalding – “I Know You Know / Smile Like That” (Live in San Sebastian july 23, 2009 – 3/9)
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1: Carol Kaye (The Wrecking Crew)
The presence of Carol Kaye, a true virtuoso within Los Angeles’ legendary Wrecking Crew, should have definitively dispelled any outdated notions of female musicians being a novelty. Kaye is one of the most recorded bassists in history, and the true measure of her genius lies in the sheer breadth of her recordings. She mastered funk, acoustic, and lush orchestrated pop (including the entirety of Pet Sounds), and crafted iconic bass lines like the intro to The Grass Roots’ “Midnight Confessions” and the salsa groove on Joe Cocker’s “Feelin’ Alright.” Unquestionably topping this list of the best female bass guitar players of all time, Carol Kaye’s legendary status is secured for generations to come.
Tired of predictable guitar theatrics? Explore the best female guitarists of all time.
