The Mambo GuildTHE MAMBO GUILD
HomeCoursesCommunityPricingInstructorsBlog
Log In
Start Now
Home/Move Glossary/Clave
History & Music

Clave

Also called: clave rhythm

Definition

The core rhythmic pattern of Afro-Cuban music; in the Pachanga Kicks the syncopated and counts are placed to work with the clave so the movement sits inside the rhythm rather than just on top of it.

Taught in

See it in the band, with its pattern on the 8-count, in Rhythm Teacher →

Related moves

  • Son Cubano
  • On2 (Break on 2)
  • Chachalokafun
  • Line Salsa
  • Salsa (umbrella term)
  • Mambo
  • Fania Records
  • Changó

Start your On2 path

Learn Clave step by step.

1500+ lessons, visual Skill Tree, weekly new drops. Taught by a 2x European Champion. 7-day free trial, cancel in two clicks.

Start 7-day free trial

Every definition is quoted word for word from the written Summary Notes of the module that teaches the move. Nothing is paraphrased.

← All moves

The Mambo GuildTHE MAMBO GUILD

The world's first structured salsa academy. We use proven methods to make you a better dancer, faster.

Learn

  • Courses
  • Pricing
  • Instructor
  • Reviews
  • Community
  • Blog

Connect

  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Contact Support

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Cookie Policy
  • Refund Policy
  • Legal Notice

© 2026 The Mambo Guild. Keep dancing.

Pavle Popovic · P.IVA IT18528951009 · Via Pasquale Revoltella 92, 00152 Roma (RM), Italy