Claves facts for kids
Claves are a cool percussion instrument. They are like two short, thick sticks, usually made of wood. Think of them as simple wooden blocks that make a sound when you hit them together!
Claves are a type of idiophone. This means they make sound from their own vibrations, without needing strings or membranes. When you strike them, they make a bright, clear clicking noise. Some claves are even hollowed out inside to make their sound louder.
To play them, you hold one stick (the "resonator") loosely in one hand, often resting it on your fingertips. This allows it to vibrate freely. You hold the other stick (the "striker") firmly in your other hand, like you would hold a drumstick. Then, you gently tap the middle of the resonator with the striker. This simple action creates that famous "click" sound!
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What Claves Are Made Of
Traditionally, claves are made from special, hard woods like rosewood, ebony, or grenadilla. These woods help create a clear, ringing sound. Today, you can also find claves made from modern materials like fiberglass or plastic.
Claves in Music
Claves are super important in Cuban music. They often play a special repeating rhythm called the clave. This rhythm is a basic beat that many other instruments follow. You can also find this clave rhythm in African and Brazilian music. It's like the heartbeat of the song!
Claves in Popular Songs
You might have heard claves in some famous rock songs without even knowing it! For example, the Beatles used them in their song "And I Love Her." The Who also featured claves in their song "Magic Bus."
Claves in Classical Music
Claves are not just for popular music. They also appear in classical pieces! The famous composer George Gershwin included claves in his "Cuban Overture." Another composer, Steve Reich, wrote a whole piece called Music for Pieces of Wood just for five pairs of claves!
See also
In Spanish: Clave (instrumento de percusión) para niños
