string instruments crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "string instruments crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of possible solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to get you unstuck and complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "string instruments crossword" by Letter Count
3 Letters
OUD: A short-neck, stringed, pear-shaped instrument prevalent in Middle Eastern, North African, and Central Asian music.
4 Letters
HARP: A multi-stringed instrument that has the strings running perpendicular to the soundboard.
LUTE: A plucked string instrument with a body shaped like a half-pear, popular in Renaissance and Baroque music.
BASS: Refers to the lowest range of pitch in music, often associated with the bass guitar or double bass.
5 Letters
CELLO: A large bowed string instrument of the violin family, known for its rich, deep tone.
BANJO: A four- or five-stringed instrument with a thin membrane stretched over a frame or cavity to form a resonator.
VIOLA: A bowed string instrument that is slightly larger than a violin and has a lower, warmer tone.
SITAR: A large, long-necked Indian lute with a distinctive resonant sound, often used in classical Indian music.
6 Letters
VIOLIN: A four-stringed instrument played with a bow, known for its high pitch and melodic capabilities.
GUITAR: A fretted musical instrument with six or more strings, typically plucked or strummed, highly versatile.
ZITHER: A stringed instrument consisting of many strings stretched across a thin, flat body, played by plucking or strumming.
7 Letters
UKULELE: A small four-stringed Hawaiian guitar, popular for its light, cheerful sound.
8 Letters
MANDOLIN: A small stringed instrument resembling a lute, typically with eight strings in four courses, played with a plectrum.
DULCIMER: A stringed instrument, usually trapezoidal, whose strings are stretched over a shallow, flat soundbox and are struck with two small hammers.
More About "string instruments crossword"
String instruments are a broad category of musical instruments that produce sound from vibrating strings. These vibrations are typically transmitted to the surrounding air by coupling to a hollow resonator, such as the body of a guitar or violin, or by an electrical amplifier. The variety of string instruments is vast, encompassing everything from the classical elegance of violins and cellos to the folk traditions of banjos and dulcimers, and the exotic sounds of sitars and ouds.
In the world of crosswords, "string instruments" is a popular clue because of this wide array of possibilities, offering setters many different words of varying lengths. Crossword constructors love these types of clues as they can lead to common answers, niche instruments, or even historical ones, challenging solvers to think broadly about the topic.
When you encounter a clue like "string instruments," consider not only orchestral members but also plucked instruments (like the guitar family), folk instruments, and instruments from non-Western cultures. The length of the answer box is often your biggest hint, narrowing down the field of possibilities considerably. Familiarity with common musical terms and instruments will greatly assist in solving these clues.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Letter Count: The number of letters is your primary guide. If the clue is "string instruments" and the answer is 4 letters, think of short, common ones like HARP or LUTE first, before longer ones.
- Consider Plural vs. Singular: While this clue is plural, many similar clues might be singular. Pay attention to "instrument" vs. "instruments" as it dictates whether your answer should be singular (e.g., GUITAR) or potentially a collective term if such a short one exists.
- Think Beyond the Orchestra: Don't limit your thoughts to classical European instruments. Crosswords often feature instruments like SITAR, OUD, or UKULELE. Expand your mental database to include world music instruments.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already solved from intersecting clues to narrow down possibilities. Even one correct letter can turn a daunting blank into an obvious solution.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of string instruments?
String instruments are broadly categorized into plucked (e.g., guitar, harp, banjo), bowed (e.g., violin, cello, viola), and struck (e.g., piano, hammered dulcimer, though the piano is often classified as a keyboard instrument). Each type produces sound in a unique way through string vibration.
How can I identify string instruments in a crossword puzzle?
Look for clues related to music, orchestras, bands, specific number of strings, or famous musicians associated with these instruments. Common synonyms or broader categories like 'lute-like' or 'bowed instrument' can also be helpful. The clue might even hint at a specific origin or cultural context.
Are there string instruments from different cultures commonly found in crosswords?
Yes! Crossword puzzles often feature instruments like SITAR (Indian), OUD (Middle Eastern), ERHU (Chinese), or KORA (African), expanding the variety of possible answers beyond common Western instruments. Broadening your knowledge of world music instruments can be a great asset for crossword solving.