5.  Les Claypool

Les Claypool sucks!  Over the past few years I’ve become more of a Primus fan having picked up a large majority of their releases and becoming quite in awe of the talents within.  Definitely a lot of oddities and off kilter stuff but that’s part of the charm of this band as there are really no others like them.  And Claypool’s talents are off the charts!  Popping bass lines, strummed chords, tapping, and whammy bar freakouts are all part and parcel of his style.  Listen to “Jerry Was A Race Car Driver”, “Tommy The Cat”, “Wynonna’s Big Brown Beaver”, “Tragedy’s A Comin'” for just a taste of the good stuff.

4.  Geezer Butler

Black Sabbath…  need I say more?  Yeah, you got those classic Tony Iommi riffs and those wailing Ozzy/roaring Dio vocals but are you catching those fantastic bass lines too?  In many instances Geezer Butler may be mimicking the main riff but he has many moments where he branches out with his own strong bits, whether it be the simple yet solid anchor in “Heaven And Hell”, the psychedelic solo freakout before early classic “N.I.B.”, or the groovy intro to “Fairies Wear Boots”.  For my money, my favorite Geezer moments were when Ronnie James Dio fronted the band (“Wishing Well” or “Voodoo” anyone?) but all eras of his work with Sabbath are highly recommended.