stringed instrument crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! Here you'll find all the possible solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "stringed instrument crossword puzzle clue" to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "stringed instrument crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HARP: A large, triangular stringed instrument played by plucking, often associated with angels or ancient music.
LUTE: A stringed musical instrument with a long neck and a deep, round back, popular from the late Middle Ages to the Baroque period.
BASS: Refers to a bass guitar or bass viol, instruments primarily producing low-pitched sounds in a musical ensemble.
LYRE: An ancient U-shaped stringed instrument, similar to a small harp, used in classical antiquity.
KORA: A West African 21-stringed instrument, a hybrid of a harp and a lute, played by jalis (storytellers).
5 Letters
CELLO: A large stringed instrument of the violin family, with a rich, deep tone, played seated with a bow.
BANJO: A stringed instrument with a thin membrane stretched over a frame or cavity to form a resonator, typically with four or five strings.
SITAR: A long-necked, plucked string instrument from India, used in Hindustani classical music.
PIANO: While technically a keyboard instrument, it produces sound by hammers striking strings, and can sometimes be clued as a stringed instrument in crosswords.
6 Letters
GUITAR: A popular fretted stringed instrument, typically with six strings, played by strumming or plucking.
VIOLIN: A high-pitched string instrument of the violin family, played with a bow, central to classical orchestras.
FIDDLE: Another term for a violin, especially when used in folk music contexts.
ZITHER: A stringed instrument consisting of a flat wooden soundbox with numerous strings stretched across it, played by plucking or strumming.
7 Letters
UKULELE: A small, four-stringed Hawaiian guitar-like instrument, known for its cheerful sound, often associated with island music.
8 Letters
MANDOLIN: A small, bowl-backed stringed instrument of the lute family, played with a plectrum, often used in folk and classical music.
DULCIMER: A stringed instrument, often trapezoidal, whose strings are stretched over a soundboard and struck with small hammers.
More About "stringed instrument crossword puzzle clue"
Stringed instruments form the backbone of countless musical traditions around the globe, from the classical orchestra to folk ensembles and modern rock bands. In the world of crosswords, clues about "stringed instruments" are quite common due to the wide variety of instruments that fit this description and their diverse letter counts. This makes them versatile answers that can fill many different puzzle grids.
When you encounter a clue like "stringed instrument," your mind should immediately go to instruments like the guitar, violin, harp, or cello. However, crosswords often test your knowledge of less common or more specific instruments, such as the lute, banjo, ukulele, or even exotic ones like the sitar or kora. The key is to consider the number of letters required and any additional hints provided in the clue, such as origin, method of play (plucked, bowed), or cultural context.
Understanding the subtle nuances of these instruments can give you a significant edge. For example, while a piano technically has strings, it's more frequently clued as a 'keyboard instrument' or 'percussion instrument' because of its hammer action. However, some puzzles might broadly define 'stringed instrument' to include it. Always keep an open mind and be prepared for both common and less obvious solutions.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Letter Count: The number of letters in the answer is your first and most crucial hint. If the clue is "stringed instrument" and you have 4 letters, consider HARP or LUTE before a longer answer like GUITAR.
- Look for Contextual Clues: Does the clue specify the origin (e.g., "Indian stringed instrument" pointing to SITAR) or how it's played ("bowed stringed instrument" for VIOLIN or CELLO)? These details are vital.
- Consider Common Crossword Answers: Certain words appear more frequently in crosswords due to their commonality and fitting letter patterns. For "stringed instrument," GUITAR, VIOLIN, and HARP are strong contenders for many puzzles.
- Think About Variations: Sometimes an instrument has multiple names (e.g., FIDDLE for VIOLIN). Keep these synonyms in mind.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of stringed instruments are common in crosswords?
Common answers for 'stringed instrument' clues include GUITAR, VIOLIN, HARP, LUTE, CELLO, BANJO, and UKULELE. These instruments are well-known and fit various letter counts, making them frequent crossword solutions. Less common but possible answers might include ZITHER or SITAR depending on the clue's difficulty or specific hints.
How can I identify a stringed instrument answer if I only have a few letters?
Look for common letter patterns and lengths. For example, 'VIOLIN' and 'GUITAR' are both 6 letters. Consider the number of strings, how it's played (plucked, bowed, strummed), or its cultural origin if hinted. Sometimes, the initial letter or a vowel pattern can give a strong hint.
Are pianos considered stringed instruments in crosswords?
While a piano produces sound from strings, it's often categorized as a keyboard or percussion instrument in a broader musical context. However, in crosswords, it might occasionally appear under a 'stringed instrument' clue, especially if the clue is broad, focuses on the sound production mechanism, or specifically hints at its strings. Always consider the context of the puzzle.