Watch ArtistWorks percussion master Luis Conte teach his online students how to create unique clave grooves on the congas.

Clave rhythms are an essential component to a variety of genres such as Abakuá music, rumba, conga, son, mambo, salsa, songo, timba and Afro-Cuban jazz. The five-stroke clave pattern represents the structural core of many Afro-Cuban rhythms, as well as the contemporary dance grooves found like reggaeton. It’s played here in combination with the conga.

In this video lesson Luis teaches his online students not only how to play the clave pattern, but also how to incorporate other ideas from his lesson series to create more unique grooves. “By combining elements from other conga lessons in my series, such as the heel-toe eight note pattern we covered earlier,” Luis explains, “you can begin to create different grooves and feels around the clave pattern we’re working with.”

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Throughout Luis’ illustrious career he has played alongside acts such as James Taylor, Madonna, Pat Metheny Group, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart and Shakira. 

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play an instrument or improve your musical skills? Try out a free music lesson from an ArtistWorks instructor and get started on the right path. You’ll quickly see what makes ArtistWorks some of the best online music lessons available today.