Latin Percussion LP262 Claves are designed to keep up with contemporary musical needs. The cut-away sound chamber makes a very loud clave with variable sound qualities. Clave (pronounced clah vay) is the rhythmic pattern that forms the basis of Latin music. Clave playing is phrased with a 3/2 or 2/3 feel (3 beats then 2 beats or 2 beats then 3 beats). Claves are also the traditional instruments used to play a group s rhythmic beat and are comprised of 2 sticks that are struck together to get a sharp cracking sound. One stick is called the clave while the other is the striker. The clave lies in one hand between the fingertips and the heel of the hand with the thumb out for support. This space between the clave and the palm of the hand creates a sound chamber. The striker is held as a beater in the other hand and is struck against the clave.