10 of the Greatest Bass Women Ever

There’s a definite Girl Power slant to this week’s video; nah Mel B’s not there, but a whole host of female bass players are, from the ‘60s super-session days of Carol Kaye, through to the mid ‘90s and the present day courtesy of Me’shell N’Degeocello, Rhonda Smith, Tal Wilkenfeld and Mohini Dey.

When we talk about great bass players, the spotlight is very often on men. Well, it’s about time that women got their due!

As always, see you in the shed…

Scott :)

Video Breakdown:

00:00 - Intro
00:22 - Nik West
01:16 - Divinity Roxx
02:19 - Mohini Dey
03:22 - Tal Wilkenfeld
04:43 - Esperanza Spalding
05:46 - Ida Nielsen
07:06 - Me’shell N’Degeocello
08:32 - Rhonda Smith
10:04 - Gail Ann Dorsey
11:06 - Carol Kaye
13:08 - Notable Mentions

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[tiffanylandry]

Ndegeocello is pronounced N-dey-gay-o-challo, Swahali for "free as a bird". I'm glad she's included in this tribute. She's one of THE best! I'm a long-time fan!

[allenthomas]

Just turned 57, my wife is buying me lessons for our 7th wedding anniversary, and I just purchased a Fender. I have always wanted to learn how to play the Bass. Wish me luck!

[robertmartin]

I grew up in LA and got into guitar and bass in my teens. My dad said to me one day, “I found someone very special I want you to have a lesson with — her name is Carol Kaye.” I had no idea who she was back then, but I can still remember going over to her house and comping to standards in her dining room like it was no big deal. I was trying out for eighth-grade jazz band on guitar and she was willing to switch instruments to teach me. Such a phenomenal teacher, then come to find out she’s one of the greatest bass players of all time. Much love and respect to a legend ❤

[pipeleme]

Meshell Ndegeocello is just flawless playing and singing with John Mellencamp in "Wild Nights"! Love this song

[samanthawatkins]

I played bass when i was younger with my daddy....it is my favorite instrument to play....unfortunately he n i were in a very bad car wreck...neither of us could play bass again. He passed away n i never picked up a bass again n its been 10 yrs...ive been thinking about buying a bass n starting back playing....i have some work to do, but this is very inspirational ❤ Thanx for sharing this!

[AsMaineTheOrijinalGeisha]

I’m getting my bass Monday, studying, and researching, and I really enjoyed this video! I’m 38 starting a little later in life, but I’m going to give it all that I have! Thank you for the vid! 🙏🏽

[VgoRob]

Tina Weymouth is criminally underrated as a bass player. Never flashy but her playing was always exactly what the songs needed.

[arocketgal]

Thank you much for honoring Carole Kaye! YES YES YES!!! Completely ignored for decades. She created some of the most epic riffs. Wow! Anyone should check her legacy out.

[grumpyguss]

I watched the Tal Wilkenfeld solo from right near the stage live back in 2007. I didn't know who she was and noticed the Sadowsky before she came on. I was absolutely blown away and that's still one of my favorite bass solos of all time. That entire set from Jeff Beck is legendary.

[Bass.Player]

Carol Kaye Just turned 85 three days ago. Happy birthday

[doublez]

I’m Double Z. I’ve been a touring bassist and recording artist for over 50 years here in NYC. I’ve toured with many great artists and have been playing well before many of the bassist on this video. There were far less women bassist when I stated playing. I’m glad to see we are getting the well deserved recognition!

[caelumward]

Man, I was waiting for Tina Weymouth, one of my favourite players ever. Her lines are always PERFECT.

[mperdue]

Carol Kaye it the legend. So glad you included her and thrilled you put her at #1. She helped write the sound track of my childhood and made some really famous people look very cool.

[HeronCoyote]

It’s no longer on Netflix, but look for “The Wrecking Crew”. Carol Kaye, Tommy Tedesco, Leon Russell, Glen Campbell and Dr John, and several other incredibly talented players were session musicians for ton of groups in the ‘60s and ‘70’s.

[ModernLove]

I filmed a whole concert of Me'Shell Ndgeochello and everything she played was so incredibly tasteful + her grooves were solid.
She literally made her drummer work hard to keep up

[GeeBee]

Be sure to add Juna Serita of Japan to your list. She plays with the group Tokyo Groove Jyoshi. Juna is an excellent bass player

[LTPXQ]

I was a 12-year-old Boy Scout walking with my 18-year-old scout leader. I told him I really wanted to learn how to play guitar. He said Bob. become a bass player. There are never enough good bass players.
The impact of that suggestion was amazing on me. I became a bass player I played professionally for a while in bars and stuff. I love the bass guitar. Even though I’ve been playing acoustic guitar for the most part since I was 20 - I’m now 65 - I consider myself a bass player first and foremost.
Scott I love how you promote a great instrument. Keep doing what you’re doing and keep exposing us towards going on in the world of bass guitar.

[Casmira.Draconid]

Female singer/bassist here as well! I've just started bass last year, but nothing has ever felt more natural. And it's a KILLER vehicle into music theory and audio physics! Best thing that's ever happened to me, straight up.

Thanks so much for this compilation, I have so much homework now <3

[superzombie]

Carol Kaye for sure, what a legacy! You of all people Scott should do a one on one with her while she is still here with us. She is a living legend on bass that hardly no one knows about

[fusionghst]

Surprised no one has brought up Tina Weymouth, she was such an important piece of the Talking Heads sound