woodwind instrument crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! You've landed on the perfect page for solving the "woodwind instrument crossword clue." We've compiled all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to ensure you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "woodwind instrument crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
OBOE: A double-reed woodwind instrument known for its distinctive mournful or pastoral tone.
5 Letters
FLUTE: A keyless or keyed woodwind instrument typically played by blowing across a mouth hole.
7 Letters
BASSOON: A large woodwind instrument of the oboe family with a double reed, producing a deep, resonant tone.
PICCOLO: A small flute, sounding an octave higher than the ordinary flute.
8 Letters
CLARINET: A single-reed woodwind instrument with a cylindrical bore and a flared bell.
9 Letters
SAXOPHONE: A member of a family of woodwind instruments usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet.
More About "woodwind instrument crossword clue"
Woodwind instruments are a fascinating category in the world of music, making them popular subjects for crossword puzzles. They are defined by how their sound is produced: either by air blowing across an edge (like a flute or piccolo) or by the vibration of a reed (like an oboe, clarinet, bassoon, or saxophone). Despite the name 'woodwind', not all instruments in this family are made of wood; for example, many flutes are metal, and saxophones are typically brass, yet they are classified as woodwinds due to their playing mechanism.
In crosswords, clues for woodwind instruments can vary widely. They might refer to the instrument's sound ("reedy orchestral instrument"), its appearance ("long, cylindrical woodwind"), or even famous players or pieces. Recognizing the common instruments within this family and their typical letter lengths can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving process. This clue often serves as a good test of a solver's general knowledge of music and instrumentation.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: When faced with a clue like "woodwind instrument," always check the number of letters required for the answer. This immediately narrows down the possibilities from our list above (OBOE, FLUTE, BASSOON, PICCOLO, CLARINET, SAXOPHONE).
- Look for Context Clues: Are there any other words in the clue that give more specific hints? For example, "double-reed woodwind" points directly to OBOE or BASSOON, while "small woodwind" might suggest PICCOLO.
- Consider Commonality: Some woodwind instruments appear more frequently in crosswords due to their common knowledge or convenient letter lengths. FLUTE, OBOE, and CLARINET are often go-to answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common woodwind instruments found in crosswords?
Flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone are frequent answers to 'woodwind instrument' clues, often appearing based on their specific letter counts.
How do I identify a woodwind instrument in a crossword?
Look for clues related to sound (e.g., 'reedy sound'), material (e.g., 'wooden pipe'), or musical context (e.g., 'orchestra section'). Clues might also hint at specific features like 'double-reed' or 'single-reed'.
Are all instruments made of wood considered woodwinds?
Not necessarily. The 'woodwind' classification refers to how the sound is produced – either by blowing air across an edge (like a flute, often metal) or by vibrating a reed (like a clarinet or saxophone, which are often brass but use a reed). It's about the sound production mechanism, not just the material.