The clave rhythm drives salsa. Everything else builds on top of it.
There are two main types of clave patterns- 3-2 and 2-3.
Here the numbers represent down beats and the “+” represents upbeats.
Below the pattern is written 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8. to show each beat and upbeat.
The 2-3 clave
..2.3…5..+..8.
1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.
To say it out loud- 2,3, 5, , and where the ‘and’ is the upbeat of 6, 8
The 3-2 clave
1..+..4…6.7…
1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.
To say it out loud- 1, and, 4, 6, 7 where the ‘and’ is the upbeat of 2
There is also a pattern called the rumba clave.
The rumba clave
1..+…+..6.7…
1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.
To say it out loud- 1, and, and, 6, 7 where the first ‘and’ is the upbeat of 2 and the second is the upbeat of 4.