The claves are a percussion instrument consisting of a pair of short wooden sticks that are struck together to produce a clean clicking noise. Cheaper claves can be made out of plastics, but the sound is not of the same quality that wood can achieve.

Afro-Cuban music like Son and Salsa widely use the claves. They are used in these particular styles of music to play a repeating rhythm for the entire duration of the piece.

Originating from Cuba, the term clave is applied to a diverse range of rhythm sticks found throughout the world. The plural term of claves is most commonly used as claves are nearly always in pairs.

Technique

One of the key ideas behind playing the claves is that one of the wooden blocks should resonate. This is normally achieved by holding one lightly with the fingertips and thumb. The space between the palm of the hand and block create a resonating chamber. The dominant hand holds the other with a firm grip. This second block can now strike the first block.