Music and Tempo for Lindy Hop
Tempo changes everything. A move that feels easy at a relaxed tempo can feel impossible when the band speeds up. Knowing tempo helps you practise, choose songs, and enjoy the night.
Tempo in beats per minute
| Feel | Roughly | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Slow and relaxed | Under about 130 BPM | Learning, practising technique |
| Comfortable | About 130–170 BPM | Most social dancing |
| Bright | About 170–200 BPM | Confident dancers |
| Fast | Over about 200 BPM | Experienced dancers, competitions |
These ranges are approximate – every DJ and teacher draws the lines a little differently.
Count tempo yourself
Tap along to the beat for 15 seconds and multiply by four. Or use a free tap-tempo app.
How a swing night is built
DJs mix tempos so dancers can rest and push themselves: a few comfortable songs, something fast, something slow. If a song is too fast for you, sit it out or dance it with simple moves and big smiles.
Live bands
Dancing to a live band is a different thrill – the band reacts to the dancers and the dancers react to the band. Listings on this site show which nights have live music.
Read next
- Lindy Hop Instruction: Every Style, Every Level
- How to Do the Swingout
- 6-Count and 8-Count: Lindy Hop Rhythm Explained
Last reviewed 2026-10-23.