The son clave is a crucial element of Cuban music. Most Cuban music is centered around a clave – a word which translates as ‘key’. This rhythmic reference point is felt throughout the music, not just by the percussionists but by every musician and dancer involved. They may not always play the rhythm literally but it is present in the music and therefore informs what they play and how they phrase it.

The son clave can be played as 3:2 or 2:3. The clave is a five note pattern played across the two bars. One bar includes three notes and one includes two. You can change which bar is performed first to determine whether it is felt as 3:2 or 2:3. Watch the video below to understand this better.

This pattern is so common in Cuban music that you just cannot play in that style without a great understanding of the son clave.

I hate Cuban music!

Ok, so not everyone wants to play in a Cuban band. But this pattern appears in many other styles. It derives from African traditions but has left it’s mark all around the world thanks to mainstream hits. Think about George Michael’s pop track ‘Faith’. You can hear the son clave rhythm. On Bo Diddley’s self titled single you can hear the son clave.

So whether you want to become a bona fide Cuban legend, or you simply strive to become a better, more knowledgeable, rounded musician, it is well worth learning the son clave. Once you can play it comfortable you can start create more complex patterns around it but first let’s learn the basic pattern.

Download the sheet music by clicking the button under the video.

After you watch the son clave video below you might also like to learn about another essential Cuban clave know as the Rumba Clave.