Claves are a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of short, cylindrical wooden sticks, usually about 20-25 centimeters long and 2.5 centimeters in diameter. When struck together, they produce a sharp, bright, and penetrating clicking sound useful for keeping rhythm in large musical ensembles, especially in Latin American and Afro-Cuban music.
Additionally, "clave" also refers to a repeating rhythmic pattern foundational to various types of Latin music, Afro-Cuban music, and even some pop and jazz styles. This rhythm pattern, often played using the claves sticks, serves as a key or "keystone" in the music, holding it together rhythmically. The clave rhythm has distinct accented beats over two measures and is central in genres like salsa, rumba, son, and mambo.
In summary:
- Claves (the instrument) = a pair of wooden sticks struck together to produce rhythm.
- Clave (the rhythm) = a foundational repeating rhythmic pattern in Latin and Afro-Cuban music often played on these sticks.
