19 Son 3-2 Clave Explained

COURSE: Latin Blues Volume 2

FOCUS: This lesson explains the son 3-2 clave rhythm, a five-stroke pattern over eight beats, and demonstrates how it is used in blues music.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Clap or use sticks to mark the rhythm: one, two and a half, four, six, seven.
• Practice with a metronome to hear how the rhythm fits the beat.
• Speed up gradually to get the vibe of the rhythm.
• Listen for the clave in percussion or melody in blues songs.

REMEMBER:

• The clave is both a rhythm and an instrument originating from Spain and tied to Cuban music.
• It is a five-stroke rhythm spread across eight beats, unlike previous four-beat patterns.
• The rhythm starts with the Tresio pattern (one, two and a half, four) in the first four counts.
• In blues, the clave can be played on the clave instrument or incorporated into melodies.