bassist

American  

[bey-sist] / ˈbeɪ sɪst /

noun

1. a singer with a bass voice.

2. a player of a bass instrument, especially of the bass viol.

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bassist British  

/ ˈbeɪsɪst /

noun

1. a player of a double bass, esp in a jazz band

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Etymology

Origin of bassist

First recorded in 1865–70; bass ¹ + -ist

Explanation

If you're a musician who plays a standup bass or a bass guitar, you're a bassist. All bassists play instruments with deep, low tones, and the word derives from a Latin root meaning "low." In a rock band, the bassist and drummer provide the rhythm that forms a song's foundation — and the bassist also plays notes that harmonize with the guitar, keyboards, and any other instruments. Classical and jazz bassists do something similar, but they have to stand up while they're playing.

Example Sentences

Bassist Lesh died in October 2024 at the age of 84, while keyboardist McKernan died aged 27 in 1973.

From Barron's • Jan. 11, 2026

Bassist Mike Mills and drummer Bill Berry grew up together in Macon, Ga., where they played Southern boogie rock, and moved to Athens to attend college at the University of Georgia.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 5, 2024

Bassist Steve grew up a Spurs fan - on a diet of chips and Glenn Hoddle's genius - but guitarist Andy is a more recent convert to Arsenal's cause.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2024

Bassist Peter Albin recalls the band raising the roof off one day in the 1960s when their playing was interrupted by a knock at the door.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 24, 2023

In the list of singers and musicians in the employ of Clemens Augustus, as printed in the Electoral Calendar for the years 1759-60, appears the name, "Ludwig van Beethoven, Bassist."

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 01, No. 07, May, 1858 by Various