Salsa Musicality - Rhythm (I)

Musicality is defined as “fitting a dance to the music being played, with the goal of relating the dance to the music’s rhythm, melody, and mood“. In my other article  ”My count is wrong!?“, several not-too-serious tips and suggestions were proposed for those who having problem keeping accurate count when dancing. Here we take a different look at the similar subject; how to connect with the rhythm when dancing to the Salsa music.

Keeping the correct count is definitely the first and foremost requirement; pass that, what we want to establish is the “connection” with the music. Granted, for people who don’t understand Spanish language is in severe handicap trying to associate with the mood of the music. Do not worry, there is no language barrier when it comes to Rhythm.

Salsa (Afro-Cuban) music rhythm is quite different and distinct, it has the ability to lift spirit, boost energy, give us the urge to move our feet and dance. What makes Salsa music magical, is mainly the result of the percussion instructments and their unique patterns. Some commonly seen instruments are: Conga (stand-up tall drum), Bongos (two connected small hand drum), Timbale (snare drum play with a stick),  Claves (pronounced “clah-vays”, a pair of short wooden dowels). 

The basic Salsa rhythm by itself is quite different from the traditional music that we are accustomed to, whereas the music beat can be clearly identified with the kick drum and bass. By comparison, Salsa rhythm is more complex, the most common type is called “son clave” with either 3-2 or 2-3 notes in 8 counts. By the way, the word “clave” mean both a rhythm and the instrument.

Let’s take a closer look at the 3-2 notes in 8 counts, the 5 notes are count 1, 2&, 4, 6, 7(”&” notation means the second half of that beat). Similarly, the 2-3 son clave have notes on count 2, 3, 5, 6&, 8. Take a look at this URL if you are interested in listening to the son claves in action. With son clave in mind, you can now clearly hear the Salsa music fall into either the 3-2 or 2-3 rhythm. On top of that, other percussion instruments add layer of patterns (call Tambao) which create the dynamic and exciting rhythm in Salsa music. 

About the author

Don was born & raised in Taiwan, ran high-tech start-up company in Silicon Valley, USA for many years. Have been dancing ballroom Latin, Salsa for 15 years.  Now based in Shanghai, teaching & performing with partner Cindy. http://www.magicsalsa.com