Jazz has had the broadest perspective of all genre's in music since it's first note to the present day. It is for that reason that this list is presented in the same manner, with respect to all the myriad forms & interpretations of Jazz that exist today.

Criteria: - These jazz bass musicians were chosen for their impact & influence within the genre, versatility and the innovative & technical qualities of their playing of the instrument. Because of the expanding "gray area" between jazz & rock, some musicians may be on both lists.