1991’s Greatest Bass Lines: 10 Iconic Grooves That Shaped the Year

I’m at it again! This time, I’m revisiting some of the great grooves (and one solo) from 1991, introducing you to the bassists who recorded them, and trying my best to recreate these iconic lines.

This trip through time includes stops with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Flecktones, Chick Corea Elektric Band, Nirvana, Metallica, and many more. Grab your bass, and let’s go back to 1991!

1991 wasn’t just a landmark year for music — it was a major one for me personally. I graduated high school that year, which might explain why these tunes have stuck with me all this time. The number one movie was Terminator 2: Judgement Day, the top song was Bryan Adams’ “Everything I Do (I Do It For You),” and the biggest album was Metallica’s Black Album. From six-string basses to sampling to the rise of Color Me Badd, 1991 had a sound all its own.

Let’s jump into the ten bass lines that defined the year.

Inside the Video: Top 10 Bass Lines of 1991

#10: Sweet Charles Sherrell – Sampled Funk Foundation

A bass line that charted on the Hot 100, R&B, and dance charts—and made it into the UK top five. This groove, originally recorded in 1969 by James Brown bassist Sweet Charles Sherrell, was sampled and brought back into the spotlight in ’91.

#9: Gary Peacock – Hypnotic Jazz Simplicity

A simple, hypnotic, and sublime groove from jazz pianist Keith Jarrett’s group, played by his longtime collaborator, the late Gary Peacock.

#8: Krist Novoselic – Nirvana’s Grunge Groove

Nirvana was everywhere in 1991. This particular line, laid down by Krist Novoselic, captures the raw and powerful energy that defined the band’s sound — and the year.

#7: John Patitucci – Jazz Fusion Groove Mastery

Jazz fusion fans will know this one. From the final album to feature the classic Chick Corea Elektric Band lineup, this groove by John Patitucci shows him in full form and tipping his hat to Marcus Miller.

#6: Jason Newsted – Metallica’s Expressive Bass Solo

Originally written as an instrumental, this track features a stunning intro by Jason Newsted of Metallica. A perfect example of how expressive the full range of the bass can be.

#5: Victor Wooten – Early Fretless Firepower

Victor Wooten. Enough said, right? Early in his solo career and already redefining what fretless bass can sound like.

#4: Lenny Kravitz – Soul Throwback with Style

The biggest hit of Lenny Kravitz’s career to date, and he played most of the instruments himself, including this incredible throwback bass groove. Joined by a string section and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Phoenix Horns.

#3: Ron Carter – Hip Hop’s Jazz Backbone

A standout from the golden age of hip hop. This track samples a groove played by jazz legend Ron Carter on McCoy Tyner’s 1975 album Trident. Pure fire.

#2: Flea – Funk Explosion from *Blood Sugar Sex Magik*

From Blood Sugar Sex Magik, this Red Hot Chili Peppers track helped inspire thousands of bassists. Flea delivers one of the funkiest grooves of the year—with some accidental magic thanks to low batteries in his envelope filter pedal.

#1: Les Claypool – The Unmatched Champion

The undefeated champion of 1991 bass lines. Les Claypool’s signature blend of strumming, slapping, hammer-ons, and vocals makes this one both a technical beast and a fan favorite.