Who Played Bass with The Doors? (and More)

The Doors never had a full-time bass guitarist in the band, but every one of The Doors’ studio albums includes at least one guest bass guitar player. And most feature other guest musicians as well. In this video, we will meet these unsung heroes who added a little extra texture to The Doors’ unique and timeless sound.

Chapters
00:00 - Intro
01:02 - The Early Days
03:33 - The Debut Album
05:38 - Strange Days
06:42 - Waiting For The Sun
07:50 - The Soft Parade
10:09 - Morrison Hotel
13:48 - LA Woman
15:36 - After Morrison

[TheDirtyDoors]

Updates:
Even though Robby Krieger claims he played bass guitar on the song Twentieth Century Fox, I have been told of the existence of a recording contract for Larry Knechtel to record bass on this song. So, it is very likely Larry Knechtel played bass on Twentieth Century Fox, not Robby Krieger.

There is a lot of debate about when and where the song L'America was recorded. Even though Jerry Scheff is the only bass player credited on the L.A. Woman album, it is very possible that song was recorded in 1969 or 1970 with a different bass player.

[Earthtime]

The most comprehensive Doors bass analysis ever

[mackmurdoc]

Thank you for mentioning my dad Jack. He really was my favorite bassist of all time

[brancaleon]

Jerry Scheff bass work on LA Woman album is outstanding

[JohnnyTong]

The music of The Doors is still unmatched to this day!!!!

[tattyshoesshigure]

Amazing to me that Ray could play both bass & lead lines at the same time on his two keyboards

[SilentAttackTV]

I really liked the fact that you played all their bass parts in the background

[coily]

Harvey Brooks is the only bass player who played live with the band onstage.. For the little ones to learn and the grown-ups to remember..!! ‘68 LA Forum show and Madison Square Garden
New York, NY January 24 1969..
Excellent video. Greay job..!!

P.S. Trust Alex he is a mastermind..!!

[prajnachan]

Excellent history. I never knew all of these bassists played with the Doors 🚪
Thank you 🎉 🕉
Lonnie Mack played bass on two tracks! Unreal.
And John Sebastián!

[nathanwahl]

As a bass guitar player (started at 50!), a lead and harmony singer (62) and now bass/keys (65, two years now) I really really appreciate the effort that went into this. And Ray's talent. It's not easy, but definitely worth the effort. Our 3-piece band sounds like there are more of us. A very thorough, well researched video.

[clevebaker]

The bass guitar on you’re lost little girl is absolutely phenomenal!! The clear light lp is a masterpiece

[TheJayson]

Well done. Thank you for this comprehensive video.

[jean-louislalonde]

Now I've learned something here! Thank you!!!

[LKaramazov]

“ I BEEN DOWN SO GOD DAMN LONG that it looks like up to me..” God I love those guys!

[diegoferreiro]

Probably one of the best documentaries about The Doors and their music:
Well researched, better narrated, the pictures match with the narration, and focused on the music and history of the group, leaving aside all the crap that usually revolves around The Doors.

[barrymckissack]

When i was told the story sometime during the 70's i was told he played string bass with his feet, i was blown away by the talent...his talent is undeniable...

[DQ-suqf]

Was at the recording of La woman and just missed Morrison but spoke to Jerry Scheff for a while..3 days later left the country and happened to end up in Paris that August and of course went to Pere-Lachaise…

[thomasstambaugh]

Ray Manzarek is one of my idols (I'm a piano player now). I've found that nearly all the classic Doors numbers from their first few albums translate directly and very nicely to the piano. I'm quite sure that is the direct result of Ray Manzarek's classical training. A decent baby grand or grand with the top open is fully capable of making numbers like "Light My Fire", "When the Music's Over", "Soul Kitchen", and "Break on Through" sound just fine as solo piano numbers. That left-hand bass drives those numbers even without percussion or guitar. My audiences have always loved my Doors material.

Props for an excellent, informative, and very entertaining video.

[jonkaplan]

This is Great!!! An early and long time Doors fan here. Thank you for this exhaustive and comprehensive history of the Door's bass players. The first ever.

[mysongs]

There's a lot of great research here. The graphics and choice of fonts made for an exciting presentation, too!