Claves are a percussion instrument made of two short, wooden sticks. Each stick is about 20–25 centimeters (8–10 inches) long and 2.5 centimeters (1 inch) wide. Traditionally, claves are made from wood such as rosewood, ebony, or grenadilla. However, some modern versions are made from fiberglass or plastic.

When claves are struck together, they create a clear, sharp clicking sound. This sound helps musicians play clearly in large dance bands. Some claves are hollow with a carved center to make the sound louder.

History

Claves have played a significant role in the development of Afro-Cuban music, including styles like son and guaguancó. They are also commonly used in Samba music. Claves are often used to create a repeating rhythmic pattern, called a clave, that continues throughout a musical piece.

Examples of instruments similar to claves can be found in many cultures around the world.

Technique

When playing claves, it is important to let at least one clave make a sound. The usual method is to hold one clave lightly with the thumb and fingertips of the non-dominant hand, with the palm facing upward. This position helps the sound carry better. To make the sound clearer, the clave can be placed on top of the fingernails. The other clave is held by the dominant hand at one end with a firm grip, similar to how a drumstick is held. The player strikes the resting clave in the center using the end of this stick.

Traditionally, the clave that is struck is called el macho ("the male"), and the clave that is struck against is called la hembra ("the female"). These names are used even when the two claves are the same.

A rolling sound can be made by holding one clave between the thumb and first two fingers. By pressing these fingers alternately, the clave moves back and forth. This moving clave is then placed against the other clave to create a rolling sound.

Use in popular music

Some salsa musicians use claves as a type of percussion instrument while they sing.

The Beatles used claves in songs like "Don't Bother Me" and "And I Love Her." The Who included claves in their song "Magic Bus."

Claves are also heard during the breaks in the theme music for the show "Night Court."

Use in classical music

Many composers who want to copy Afro-Cuban music often use claves, such as Arturo Márquez in his piece Danzón No. 2 or George Gershwin in his Cuban Overture.

Steve Reich's piece Music for Pieces of Wood is composed for five pairs of claves.