Clap the Clave instead of the normal 4/4
When clapping along to any music, the given is to clap every quarter note (1, 2, 3, 4), in the Latin styles of music, everyone claps the Clave rhythm, this is still in 4/4 time but another note is squeezed in. Often referred to s the 3/2 Clave.
I’ve counted the bar in sixteenth notes to give a visual representation of where the Clave notes should fall in the bar.
1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a
1 * * A * * * A * * & * 4 * * *
Another way of counting it is;
1 A (2) A (3) & 4
The the numbers in brackets aren’t played, its easier to count them, rather than leaving them out.
What I find helpful, is to play the floor tom with the right hand and the left play the snare. This separates the two rhythms and gives a definitive sound.
1***2***3***4*** Right hand
1**A***A**&*4*** Left hand
Then swap over right hand plays Clave, left plays 4/4.
1***2***3***4*** Left hand
1**A***A**&*4*** Right hand
The next level:
Spread the Clave over two bars:
This counting will be in eighth notes
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
1 * * & * * * A * * 2 * 3 * * *
Notice that both exercises are exactly the same!
There is so much you can do with this, his book is full of ways to apply this, reverse it 3/2 becomes 2/3, played over a 6/8 time (slow triplets), changing limbs e.g left hand Clave right hand 4/4, combinations e.g. 6/8 then in to 4/4. If you enjoy Latin music then these rhythms are for you and our playing. His book is a change but the exercises he’s made are the most authoritative around
Try playing the 3/2 Clave on top of your favourite groove, do like Horacio does and play it using the Hi-Hat pedal.
This lesson is inspired by Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez
Tags: Clave rhythm