crossword clue stringed instruments – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate resource for solving the clue "stringed instruments" in any crossword puzzle. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue stringed instruments" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HARP: A large, triangular stringed musical instrument played by plucking the strings.
LUTE: An ancient stringed musical instrument with a rounded body and a long neck, popular in the Renaissance.
5 Letters
CELLO: A large stringed instrument of the violin family, played with a bow while seated.
BANJO: A stringed instrument with a round frame, typically five strings, played by plucking or strumming.
SITAR: A long-necked plucked string instrument, originating from the Indian subcontinent.
6 Letters
GUITAR: A widely popular stringed musical instrument, typically with six strings, played by strumming or plucking.
VIOLIN: A high-pitched stringed instrument played with a bow, central to orchestral music.
ZITHER: A stringed instrument consisting of a flat body over which strings are stretched, played by plucking or strumming.
7 Letters
UKULELE: A small, four-stringed Hawaiian guitar-like instrument, known for its cheerful sound.
8 Letters
MANDOLIN: A small, often pear-shaped stringed instrument of the lute family, typically played with a plectrum.
More About "stringed instruments"
Stringed instruments, also known as chordophones, are a vast and diverse family of musical instruments that produce sound through the vibration of strings. These vibrations are typically amplified by a hollow body or a resonating board. They are fundamental to almost every musical tradition around the world, from classical orchestras to folk ensembles and modern bands.
The method of playing defines broad categories: those that are bowed (like violins and cellos), those that are plucked (such as guitars, harps, and banjos), and those that are struck (like the piano, although its classification as solely a stringed instrument can be debated in crosswords due to its hammer action). This variety makes them a rich source of answers for crossword puzzles.
In crosswords, clues like "stringed instruments" can refer to specific, well-known instruments, or sometimes to broader categories or historical types. Their commonality in music makes them frequent puzzle answers, ranging from short, common names to longer, more exotic ones, challenging solvers to consider the full spectrum of string instruments.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Length: The most immediate clue is the number of letters in the answer. If you have 4 spaces, think HARP or LUTE. For 6, consider GUITAR or VIOLIN. Knowing common lengths for frequent answers helps narrow down possibilities quickly.
- Check Crossing Letters: Use intersecting words to confirm or eliminate possibilities. A 'U' in the second spot might point to UKULELE, while an 'A' could indicate a BANJO. These cross-references are vital for verification.
- Think Broadly and Specifically: 'Stringed instruments' is a broad category. Be prepared for answers ranging from common orchestral instruments to folk instruments from various cultures, depending on the puzzle's difficulty and theme. Don't limit your thinking to just one type.
- Explore Synonyms & Related Terms: While the clue is straightforward, sometimes related terms or broader categories of instruments might appear in other clues in the same puzzle, giving you additional context or hints.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main categories of stringed instruments for crosswords?
Stringed instruments often fall into categories like bowed (e.g., VIOLIN, CELLO), plucked (e.g., GUITAR, HARP, BANJO, UKULELE), or sometimes struck (e.g., PIANO, though less common for the clue 'stringed instruments' alone). Crosswords frequently feature instruments from orchestral, folk, and world music traditions, offering a wide array of potential answers.
How can I guess a stringed instrument answer if I have limited letters?
Start by considering common lengths. For example, 4-letter answers might be HARP or LUTE, while longer ones could be GUITAR (6), UKULELE (7), or MANDOLIN (8). Use any crossing letters to eliminate possibilities and narrow down the options based on the instrument's name, drawing on your knowledge of popular instruments.
Are plucked instruments like the guitar always considered for 'stringed instruments' clues?
Yes, instruments that produce sound primarily through vibrating strings, whether plucked, bowed, or strummed, are generally valid answers for 'stringed instruments' clues in crosswords. This includes a wide range from classical orchestral instruments to folk and modern ones, making them a common and appropriate solution.