Claves are percussion instruments that are ubiquitous in Latin American music. Their sounds can be heard in salsa music as well as traditional dance music like Rumba and Mambo. Many different types of the instrument can be found in Latin America, Cuba, and the United States, where they can be used in nontraditional ways in popular modern music. Because they don’t have notes, they’re also a great teaching tool for kids, as they can help them focus on learning rhythms and rhythmic patterns.
Typically, claves are made of wood, but they can also be made of fiberglass or plastic. They are essentially a pair of sticks, one held in the palm and the other in the opposite hand. The sound is created striking the stick held in the palm with the stick held in the other hand, which is referred to as the “male” clave. The female clave is the name for the striking stick. Although there is no standard size, most claves are approximately 8 inches (20.32 cm) long and an inch (2.52 cm) thick. Claves are typically rounded dowel shapes with evenly cut ends.
Similar instruments can be found all over the world. In parts of Asia, percussion instruments resembling claves can be found, and Spanish music features some striking stick percussion. Percussion made with wooden sticks is perhaps one of the most basic types of music. Many people believe, however, that claves are a Cuban invention, where the mixed cultures of Spanish, African, and American aboriginal tribes collide. The claves’ rhythms sound African, but the sticks themselves may predate European exploration of the New World.
It’s a common misconception that playing this percussion instrument is the same as banging two sticks together for effect. It takes time to master an instrument. Players learn how to modulate sound based on where the male clave is struck, in addition to playing in certain rhythmic patterns. The ability to strike with varying degrees of force, speed, and in various areas of the held clave is a rare talent.
Though mastering this percussion instrument takes a lot of practice, it’s a great way for kids to start learning about music. Student instruments can be found for less than $20 US Dollars (USD). These instruments now come in a wide range of styles for those who prefer a more professional sound. Some musicians prefer a certain type of wood, such as rosewood, while others prefer the sound and durability of fiberglass. Some claves are hollowed to improve tone and resonance.