The clave rhythm drives salsa. Everything else builds on top of it.
There are two main types of clave patterns- 3-2 and 2-3.
Here the numbers represent down beats and the “+” represents upbeats.
Below the pattern is written 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8. to show each beat and upbeat.
The 2-3 clave
..2.3…5..+..8.
1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.
To say it out loud- 2,3, 5, , and [...]

