This is our first tutorial on clave, and we'll be addressing the historically most common form outside of Cuba: the son clave, originating from the east of the island. The word "clave" refers to the fundamental rhythm which unites all musicians playing salsa music, and also to the instrument on which the rhythm is interpreted: a pair of turned hardwood rods, one in each hand, which are struck together to produce a high-pitched 'click' sound.

For many of you, clave will be quite different from anything you've experienced before - and that's exciting. Our learning material will match your ambition, effort for effort. You will learn how to recognise it, be comfortable with it, and understand some of its key features and special properties. Ultimately, you'll learn how clave can inform your dancing and in so doing, appreciate and enjoy more the depth of Afro-Cuban music.