How to Play the Claves

Summary: Claves (pronounces Clar-vays) is a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of short thick dowels that are usually made of wood. In present times, claves can be found that are made of fibreglass or plastics due to the fact that the materials tend to last longer. When hit, the claves make a bright clicking noise. Claves are sometimes hollow and are carved in the middle to amplify the sound. This percussion instrument is very important in Afro-Cuban music, such as the Son and Salsa. They are usually used to play a repeating rhythmic figure throughout a piece, known as the clave pattern, of which there are several different variations, each used for different styles of music.

Learning to play the claves may seem simple, but there are specific techniques to follow that will produce the best sound, and certain rhythmic patterns and music styles that prominently feature this percussion instrument. In this free video series, our expert will teach you how to play the claves with step-by-step lessons, beginning with holding the claves and finishing with examples of rhythmic patterns. You'll learn how to get the best sound out of claves, and how to play several styles, such as baiao and Bossa Nova. You'll also learn patterns like the 3-2 Son, the 2-3 Son, and similar Rumbas. When played correctly, the claves can really spice up a musical number, so learn how to play them today!