A clave rhythm is a repeated rhythmic figure, usually played on a single or dual toned instrument such as sticks or bells, and usually has some level of syncopation, meaning it contains notes both on the strong beats and on the weak beats.
In this video, Joakim Lartey explains a few different clave rhythms from Latin and African music traditions. Make sure to clap along as Joakim plays them so you can learn them yourself.
Joakim Lartey is a drummer/percussionist, storyteller, educator and sound designer. He was co-founder, lead singer and percussionist of Woodstock’s Futu Futu. He is engaged in a lifelong exploration of recording technology and the fusion of traditional/ancient and contemporary musical forms. He has collaborated/played with Natalie Merchant, Jack DeJohnette, John Hall, Baba Olatunji among others… He currently performs with the duo Joakim & Chris [with guitarist Chris Lane] and The Sonark Trio [with multi instrumentalist Thomas Workman and cellist Gabriel Dresdale].
