clave pattern
The foundational rhythmic pattern of Afro-Cuban and broader Latin music, consisting of a two-bar pattern of either 3-2 or 2-3 configuration that governs the entire musical structure.
In Depth
Being "out of clave" — playing a pattern that conflicts with the underlying clave — is considered such a fundamental error in Latin music that an entire performance can be derailed by a single musician who loses the clave orientation.
Related Terms
More in Theory
Browse allA sharp, flat, or natural sign that alters a note from the prevailing key signature.
Symbols placed before notes to raise or lower their pitch by a semitone or return them to their natural state
Relating to sound or the properties of sound, especially music produced without electronic amplification.
The natural minor scale, with the pattern W-H-W-W-H-W-W, producing the most common minor tonality in Western music.
Music in which some element of the composition is left to chance or to the performer's discretion.
The second-highest voice type, or an instrument pitched between soprano and tenor.
The measure of a sound wave's intensity, perceived as loudness or volume.
One or more notes before the first full bar of a piece, also called a pickup or upbeat.