old stringed instrument crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're tackling the clue "old stringed instrument crossword", you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, complete with their definitions, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "old stringed instrument crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LUTE: A pear-shaped, stringed instrument common in the Renaissance, often plucked.
HARP: A large, upright stringed instrument played by plucking strings, known for its distinctive frame.
LYRE: An ancient Greek U-shaped stringed instrument, often associated with classical mythology.
VIOL: A family of bowed stringed instruments popular before the violin family, characterized by fretted necks and sloping shoulders.
5 Letters
SITAR: A long-necked stringed instrument of northern India, known for its resonant sound and sympathetic strings.
6 Letters
ZITHER: A flat, plucked or strummed string instrument common in central Europe, where strings are stretched across a shallow body.
8 Letters
DULCIMER: A stringed instrument played by striking strings with hammers (hammered dulcimer) or plucking (mountain dulcimer), creating a distinctive sound.
More About "old stringed instrument crossword"
The phrase "old stringed instrument" is a popular and recurring theme in crosswords, designed to test your knowledge of musical history and less common instruments. These clues often refer to instruments that were prevalent in specific historical periods, such as the Renaissance or ancient times, or those from non-Western cultures. Understanding the typical length of these words, along with their unique characteristics, can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving process.
Crossword constructors love these types of clues because they offer a rich vocabulary of unique words like LUTE, LYRE, SITAR, and ZITHER. While some, like LUTE or HARP, might be more universally recognized, others such as VIOL or DULCIMER require a slightly deeper dive into musical terminology. The challenge often lies in distinguishing between several plausible instruments that fit the letter count, which is where context from intersecting words becomes crucial.
Expanding your lexicon of "old stringed instruments" is a fantastic way to improve your crossword skills. Beyond just memorizing answers, learning a bit about their origins, appearance, and how they are played can make these clues much more intuitive to solve in the future. Our goal is to provide not just answers, but also the context that builds your overall crossword expertise.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count Letters Carefully: Always confirm the exact number of letters in the answer you need. This is the single most important filter for "old stringed instrument" clues, as many instruments share similar themes but differ in length.
- Consider Historical Context: Pay attention to any additional words in the clue, such as "ancient," "medieval," "Indian," or "European." These can often narrow down a wide field of possibilities to a single correct answer.
- Look for Common Roots: Many stringed instrument names have Latin or Greek roots. Sometimes, breaking down the clue or thinking about related words can spark an idea for the answer.
- Use Intersecting Clues: If you're stuck on an "old stringed instrument" clue, try solving the intersecting words first. Even one or two confirmed letters can make the desired instrument immediately apparent.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common 'old stringed instrument' answer in crosswords?
The most frequently encountered answer for 'old stringed instrument' in crosswords is often LUTE due to its distinct name and historical significance. However, LYRE and HARP are also very common.
Are instruments like the violin or guitar considered 'old stringed instruments' in crossword clues?
Typically, when a crossword clue specifies 'old stringed instrument,' it refers to instruments that predate or are distinct from the modern orchestral string family (like violins, violas, cellos) or common folk instruments (like guitars). Expect answers such as LUTE, LYRE, VIOL, SITAR, or ZITHER, which have a more antique or exotic connotation.
How can I distinguish between different 'old stringed instrument' answers if they have the same letter count?
When multiple 'old stringed instrument' answers share the same letter count (e.g., LUTE, HARP, LYRE, VIOL are all 4 letters), context clues are vital. Look for surrounding letters, the theme of the puzzle, or additional words in the clue (e.g., 'ancient Greek stringed instrument' points to LYRE; 'Renaissance instrument' suggests LUTE). Sometimes, simply trying the most common answer first can lead to a quick solution.