Claves
Introduction
Claves are a pair of solid wooden sticks, about seven or eight inches long, and less than an inch in diameter. Classic claves are usually made of rosewood, though modern versions are often made from fibreglass. Technically, one of the sticks is the clave, whilst the other is the striker.
How To Play
The clave is laid in one hand between the finger tips and the heel of the hand, with the thumb extended for support. The space between the clave and the palm of the hand creates a sound chamber. It is important not to hold this clave too tightly, such as in a tight fist. This will damp the sound and make it resonate less. The striker is held in the other hand and the two ends are hit together.
Dynamics
There's not really a lot you can do to play claves at different volumes. The newer LP "King Claves" are made of fibreglass and are very loud and cutting, so it may make sense to use these for loud passages, and then traditional rosewood claves for quieter sections. Failing that, your best bet is to use the body of the other people in the band to mask the sound, by holding the instrument down low.
Variations
Latin Percussion have several different kinds of clave available, including the African Clave, Traditional Clave and Grenadilla Clave. These are supplied alongside the more popular King Clave and their Killer Klave, which is a new innovation to make the clave easier to play.
Pictures
| Two different types of clave. The ones on the left are by Percussion Plus, and the ones on the right are King Claves from Latin Percussion. |  |
| A demonstration of how the clave is held in the left hand. The other clave (the "striker") is held in the right hand and the two ends are struck together. The left hand does not move. |  |
History
Claves are widely used in Latin America, especially in Cuba from where they originate. They are a key part of cuban dance music, and are thought to have been invented in the 1920s.
References
http://www.heritageethnicmusic.com/site/607029/page/276840
http://www.justsalsa.com/salsa/music/son/
http://www.lafi.org/magazine/articles/clave.html
http://www.pielcaneladancers.com/sys-tmpl/historyoflatininstruments/
Author
Tim Sawyer, February 2005