Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 16, 2026

Keplok

Keplok is a style of clapping used in Javanese gamelan. The clapping is in a specific interlocking rhythmic pattern and is performed by the gerong when they are not singing. It is usually associated with the lively ciblon (Surakarta) or batangan (Yogyakarta) drumming. Usually one person claps on the on-beats while another claps on the off-beats, and then another pair clap a similar pattern at half the tempo. This interlocking pattern is similar to the imbal patterns played on the saron. Keplok is often performed along with senggakan.

Last revised
Jul 16, 2026
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Keplok is a style of clapping used in Javanese gamelan. The clapping is in a specific interlocking rhythmic pattern and is performed by the gerong when they are not singing. It is usually associated with the lively ciblon (Surakarta) or batangan (Yogyakarta) drumming. Usually one person claps on the on-beats while another claps on the off-beats, and then another pair clap a similar pattern at half the tempo. This interlocking pattern is similar to the imbal patterns played on the saron. Keplok is often performed along with senggakan.

Further reading

Further reading

  • Pickvance, Richard (2005). A Gamelan Manual: A Player's Guide to the Central Javanese Gamelan, p. 213. ISBN 9780955029509.