10 Greatest Metal Bassists Ever

Every now and again, an artist comes along whose talent is so natural that it just doesn't seem fair for the rest of us. When a young James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich discovered Cliff Burton playing in the Bay Area, they knew they were witnessing something magical onstage.

From the start of his recording career, Burton made his mark on Metallica's music. With Burton behind the four-string, songs would become bass grandstands from the 4 minute solo that is "Anaesthesia" to the harmonic masterpiece of "Orion." As far as genre innovation was concerned, Burton was the point where thrash met classical music, as he employed complex harmonies to all his songwriting contributions. It was almost as if Burton didn't see the bass as a riff machine, but rather a greater piece of the metal band orchestra.

The time that Burton had with us was far too short, as he died in a bus accident shortly after the band had finished Master of Puppets. As years have gone on, fans are still trying to figure out how Cliff was able to impart so much genius into the metal genre. As Metallica plays on with other bassists, Cliff Burton will forever be known as one of Metallica's natural virtuosos.