BookatlasPiano Rabbit Hole: Improvisation Theory & Practice
1652 / 18210 · Module 28 — Latin and Bossa Nova Piano: Rhythm First, Harmony Second← prev⊞ allnext →

28.62What is clave conceptually?

A clave is a repeating rhythmic framework.

In Cuban music, common forms include:

  • 3–2 son clave
  • 2–3 son clave

It organizes how other parts interlock.

For this course, you do not yet need to perform authentic salsa piano montunos.

But you should understand:

syncopations are not random; they relate to a repeating rhythmic grid.