What Is The Clave?

The term clave (pronounced CLAH-VAY) is the Spanish word for key.

Clave is the key to Afro Cuban music. The clave is a two bar pattern which sets the foundation for this style of music. These patterns can be played in two different directions. Either the 2-3 direction or the 3-2 direction. This simply means that in the first bar there are two notes being played, and three notes being played in the second bar. Or you can do the opposite, play three notes in the first bar, and two notes in the second bar. Just make sure that every two bars you play a total of five notes.

There are a few different claves to learn, the Son (Sohn) Clave, the Rumba Clave, the 6/8 Clave, and the Brazilian Clave (aka The Bossa Nova Clave).

I highly suggest that you gain a strong understanding of these patterns and their differences before digging too deep into the music. Once you have a basic understanding of the Clave concept, you should try some Latin drum beats, and apply this concept.

It is also to note that claves are also an instrument. This instrument consists of two wooden sticks that are struck together to play a clave rhythm.

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