While there are variations internationally, which suggest rhythmic music contemporary tunes are preferred near the Equator, there was a clear pattern of personality traits being matched to particular genres and the artists working within them.
Whether in England or India, the trait of “agreeableness”, characterised by sympathy and co-operation, led to a preference for mellow music, exemplified by artists such as Marley, Marvin Gaye and Norah Jones.
Those who displayed traits of “extraversion” satisfy their taste for excitement and sociability with contemporary music styles such as electro, rap and pop, and artists such as Beyoncé and Justin Bieber, the kind of music that would more likely be played in a bar or club.
“Conscientious” music lovers, who display traits such as obedience and a preference for order, lean more towards music defined as “unpretentious” in the study. This includes religious music and country styles.
Those characterised by “openness”, defined by their imagination and creativity, preferred compositionally complex styles termed “sophisticated” in the study, which includes jazz, and the baroque guitar playing of Hendrix.
