three questions about the 6/8 clave

[narcopolo]

i saw the afro-cuban thread, but i didn't want to hijack it with my own stuff.
anyway:
1. it [i]is[i] a hemiola, right?
2. is it pointless/ redundant to play the clave if there is a clave playing?
3. are there any exercises that would help me feel both rhythms (triple and the implied duple) at the same time?


thanks!

[BAJO]

Yes, start learning how to play a simple bass line while you tap the clave with your foot! This will start to internalize the rhythm you are seeking for. Remember that the 2-3 -6/8 bass line starts going in the upwards direction and the 3-2 - 6/8 bass line starts going in the downwards. This is implied only to simple chord movement not heavy chord movement like in Jazz and Popular music.. Hope this helps!!

[narcopolo]

that does help, thanks!

[bulmer]

it is kind of hard to show this without music notation, but I use a simple hand tapping exercise to help internalize basic 2 against 3. Start by thinking of 3/4 time which has the same number of 8ths as 6/8 time in a measure. Tap a simple "one two-and three" rhythm with your hands.
(Q=quarter note E=eight note)

1-2-3
Q-EEQ

Now tap it using alternating hands (L=left, R-right)

R-R-R
Q-EEQ
L--L

So both hands play the first beat, they alternate on the eight notes and just the right hand plays beat 3. Get this in your head/heart and then you will realize that the left hand is playing 6/8 rhythm and the right hand is playing the 3/4 rhythm against it, or 2 against 3. It becomes more apparent as you speed it up.

Now I am no latin jazz expert so I think the clave plays a different hemiola pattern kind of "shifted" from this but you might create your own patterns to help internalize this.

Steve