A percussion instrument consisting of two wooden sticks that are struck together to create a sharp, clicking sound, used in Latin music and Cuban music.
From Spanish 'claves' (plural of 'clave,' literally meaning 'keys' or 'clubs'). Derived from Latin 'clavis' (key). The instrument name reflects its percussive, key-like function in establishing rhythm.
The claves are deceptively simple-looking sticks, but they're absolutely essential to Latin and salsa music—they establish the 'clave' rhythm that's like the heartbeat of the entire genre, and good musicians can hear it across all the other percussion.
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