The palos, or Flamenco styles, total some 50 different varieties. These styles are characterized by a particular pattern of rhythms called compas, which are made up of a series of toques, or beats.
Palos come in various moods and melodies. The main palos are the Toná, Soleá, Fandango and Seguiriya and these form the rhythmic basis for nearly all other palos.
There is an immense variety in the style of palos: some of the forms are sung unaccompanied, while others usually have a guitar or other accompaniment. Some are danced to while others traditionally are not. Amongst both the songs and the dances, some are traditionally for men and others of women, while still others would be performed by either sex.
