The Origins and Evolution of the 'Sensitive Female Chord Progression'
When and where did the 'sensitive female chord progression' originate, and what does this term really mean in the context of contemporary music? This article delves into the history and usage of the I-V-vi-IV progression, exploring its roots in various musical traditions and its significance in modern songwriting.
The Misinterpretation and Misunderstanding
The phrase sensitive female chord progression gained popularity after musician and producer David Bowie mentioned it in a 2004 interview. However, the truth is not as straightforward. This progression, which consists of the chords I, V, vi, IV, has its roots in folk music and has been employed in many popular songs.
Examples in Popular Music
Two prominent examples of this progression in action are Natalie Imbruglia's 'Torn' and Colbie Caillat's 'Bubbly'. These songs are often cited as prime examples of this chord progression, demonstrating its ability to convey emotional authenticity and vulnerability.
Common Misconceptions and Misidentifications
A recent article incorrectly identified the progression in Arcade Fire’s song 'Rebellion (Lies)', stating it used I, V, vi, IV. In fact, Arcade Fire's song uses a different progression: I, IV, I, vi, with only slight key changes. The article’s analysis highlights the importance of understanding musical theory accurately to avoid misinterpretations.
Engaging with Misunderstood Theory
The author's experience using this article as a reference is both humorous and reflective of the challenge in understanding musical theory. Proponents of a song featuring this progression erroneously suggest it as ideal for encores, exhibiting a lack of understanding of the subtle differences in chord progressions. Similarly, Mumford and Sons' 'Below My Feet' and Regina Spektor's 'Us' do not utilize this specific progression. The author's conclusion: never attempt to jam with this article's author, a lesson learned from the internet.
The Journey to the Roots of the Progression
Understanding the progression's origin requires looking beyond modern songwriting into historical roots. The I, V, vi, IV progression is often derived from experiments with guitar by singer-songwriters, a common scenario in the post-punk era. Ani DiFranco’s first album 'Both Hands' offers a glimpse into this early usage, with the song 'Fire Door' making use of a different progression: vi, IV, I, V.
Connecting to Pachelbel's Canon
Even earlier, traces of this progression can be found in the baroque era, specifically in Pachelbel’s Canon and Gigue for 3 Violins and Basso Continuo, which employs a similar structure but with different chord spellings. While this connection sheds light on the progression's history, it does not directly answer the question of its origin in contemporary music.
Conclusion
While tracing the exact origin of the 'sensitive female chord progression' is challenging, understanding its roots in folk music and its evolution through singer-songwriters provides valuable insights. The progression's simplicity and emotional expressiveness make it a staple in modern songwriting, and its variations across different musical eras reflect the continuous innovation in music composition.