What is a Son Clave?

A son clave is a specific five-note rhythmic pattern used as the structural foundation of many Afro-Cuban musical styles, especially son, salsa, mambo, and Latin jazz. The pattern acts as a rhythmic guide that organizes how other instruments and rhythms interact within the music.

The son clave pattern is played across two measures and contains five strokes arranged in a syncopated rhythm. It can appear in two forms: 3–2 son clave or 2–3 son clave. In the 3–2 version, three notes occur in the first measure and two in the second. In the 2–3 version, the order is reversed, with two notes in the first measure and three in the second.

The son clave pattern is central to the groove and structure of many Latin music styles. Musicians often align their rhythmic patterns and phrasing with the clave, ensuring that the ensemble remains rhythmically balanced. Because of this organizing role, the son clave is often described as the rhythmic framework that holds the entire performance together.