Cuban Salsa Instruments

When the Cuban Son became popular, so did many of the instruments used in Salsa music. 

The Bongos, which are held between the knees and struck with your fingers, the Marimbula, the Quijada, the Timbales Criollos, the Cowbell, (which was played using a small metal bar and now usually played with a wooden stick), the Botijuela, (a wide earthen jar which is played by applying ones lips and blowing air through the thin opening at its neck) and the Diente de Arado ( a piece of a plow blade which sounds like a deep cowbell when struck), were all introduced into popular Cuban music through the Son.

The instrument that is the key to the Cuban Son rhythm that also direct the dancer's footsteps is called the Clave. Being one of the most important instruments in Salsa music, the Clave was almost accidentally founded when building a ship. The hardwood that the Clave is made out of is the hardwood that originally came from ships. They're a pair of wooden sticks that when struck together form a metallic like sound that rises above all other instruments.

Other instruments that help keep the very specific rhythm in Salsa music are the Palmadas, (Flamenco hand claps), the Guiros, the Maracas, the guitar and its derivative, a Cuban innovation known as the "Tres". The "Tres" began being used in 1920 when the Son became popular, and lasted until 1930 when other instruments were added. 


Clave: