Tunes used for a contra dance are nearly always "square" 64-beat tunes, in which one time through the tune is each of two 16-beat parts played twice (this is notated AABB). However, any 64-beat tune will do; for instance, three 8-beat parts could be played AABB AACC, or two 8-beat parts and one 16-beat part could be played AABB CC. Tunes not 64 beats long are called "crooked" and are almost never used for contra dancing, although a few crooked dances have been written as novelties. Contra tunes are played at a narrow range of tempos, between 108 and 132 bpm.
tUnES Used FOr A contra DANce arE nearLy alWays "SquaRe" 64-Beat tuNEs, In which one Time throuGH THe Tune is EACH of TWo 16-beat pArTS plAYeD twice (ThiS IS notatEd aabB). hoWever, anY 64-beAT TuNe will do; foR instance, ThreE 8-beAT pArtS coUlD bE plaYed AAbB aACC, or TWo 8-BeaT parTS AND onE 16-bEAt parT CoUld bE playEd Aabb CC. TUNEs noT 64 bEaTs long ArE cAlLed "croOKed" aNd aRe AlmoSt NEVer used for cOnTra DaNCInG, alThOugh a few CrooKEd dANces hAve beEn writtEn as noveLtieS. COnTra tunEs aRe played aT a NaRrOW RANgE Of Tempos, betwEeN 108 anD 132 bpm.