The percussion section is considered the most important part of a salsa band. Percussionists produce salsa's famous rhythms on a wide range of instruments. The clave is one of most important percussion instruments. The clave consists of two round sticks of hardwood tapped together to produce what is known as the clave rhythm, which is considered salsa's basic rhythm. Congas, also called tumbadoras, play a rhythm called a tumbao that supports other rhythms and the bass line. Drums called timbales help create syncopated rhythms, accents, fills and other patterns. Other percussion instruments include maracas, cowbells, guiros and bongos.
Salsa's rhythms are punctuated by brass instruments, including trombones and trumpets. According to "National Geographic Music," the trombone is one of salsa's defining elements. A piano contributes an important melodic rhythm called a montuno, which supports the instrumental and vocal melodies. The bass guitar provides a bass line called a tumbao, which helps integrate the piano's montuno with the rhythms provided by the conga. The guitar provides a rhythm called a guajeo that also helps support vocals and melodies. Depending on the band's lineup, musical arrangement and specific genre, violins alternate between playing melodies, solos and rhythms such as the guajeo.