The rhythm for 3-2 clave consists of which pattern?

• A. Two hits in the first measure and three in the second
• B. Three hits in the first measure and two in the second
• C. Four hits in the first measure and one in the second
• D. Three hits in each measure

Answer: (B)

The 3-2 clave is a two-measure clave rhythm that distributes five strokes as three in the first measure and two in the second. This 3-and-2 arrangement is what defines the pattern, giving a stronger emphasis at the start of the phrase and a lighter two-stroke finish in the following bar. The other common variant, 2-3, switches where those three and two strokes occur. So, the pattern with three hits in the first measure and two in the second best matches the 3-2 clave.