old stringed instrument crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "old stringed instrument crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "old stringed instrument crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LUTE: A plucked string instrument with a body shaped like a half-pear, common from the Middle Ages through the Baroque era.
LYRE: A U-shaped harp-like instrument, famously used in ancient Greece to accompany poetry and song.
VIOL: A family of fretted, bowed string instruments popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, often confused with the violin family.
HARP: An ancient stringed musical instrument characterized by a number of individual strings running at an angle to its soundboard.
5 Letters
SITAR: A long-necked, plucked string instrument, originating from the Indian subcontinent, known for its distinctive sound and numerous strings.
More About "old stringed instrument crossword clue"
The clue "old stringed instrument" is a classic in crosswords, often pointing towards instruments that predate the modern orchestra or have historical significance. These instruments range from the elegant LUTE, a favorite in European courts, to the ancient LYRE, synonymous with Greek mythology and poetry. Understanding their historical context can often provide the necessary insight to crack these types of clues.
Beyond the most common answers, the world of old stringed instruments is vast. Instruments like the VIOL, an ancestor to the violin, or the ZITHER (which can sometimes be a 6-letter answer for a similar clue), demonstrate the rich diversity of musical heritage. For crossword enthusiasts, remembering these prominent examples by their letter count is a valuable strategy, as the number of letters is often the first and most crucial hint provided.
While some instruments, like the HARP, have evolved into modern forms, their ancient origins firmly place them within the "old" category for crossword purposes. The key is to think about instruments that evoke a sense of history or belong to musical periods centuries past, rather than contemporary ones like the guitar or piano (which are stringed but not typically considered 'old' in this context).
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "old stringed instrument" to 4, 5, or perhaps 6 letters.
- Consider Common Answers First: LUTE, LYRE, and VIOL are very common. If these fit the letter count, try them first before moving to more obscure options.
- Look for Intersecting Letters: Use letters revealed by other solved clues. If an "L" or "E" pops up in a relevant position, it strongly points towards LUTE or LYRE.
- Think Historically: For "old" clues, your mind should immediately jump to pre-18th century instruments rather than modern ones.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common old stringed instruments that appear in crosswords?
The most frequent answers for 'old stringed instrument' clues include LUTE, LYRE, VIOL, and sometimes HARP. Less common but possible answers might be ZITHER or SITAR, depending on the crossword's specific theme or difficulty level.
How can I figure out instrument-related crossword clues if I'm stuck?
First, check the length of the required answer. Then, think about instruments with short names (4-5 letters are very common for these clues). Consider ancient or classical instruments rather than modern ones. Context from other solved words in the puzzle can also provide valuable letter hints.
Are 'instrument' clues always related to classical music?
Not always, but for 'old stringed instrument' clues, they very often refer to instruments from the Medieval, Renaissance, or Baroque periods, or instruments from ancient civilizations. However, crosswords can be tricky, so always be open to less obvious interpretations if other letters fit.