crossword clue for percussion instrument – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "crossword clue for percussion instrument" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DRUM: A cylindrical, hollow instrument covered at one or both ends with a membrane (drumhead) and struck with sticks or hands.
GONG: A large, circular metal disc that produces a resonant sound when struck with a mallet.
5 Letters
BONGO: A pair of small, open-bottomed drums of different sizes, held between the knees and played with the hands.
SNARE: A drum with taut wires or cords stretched across the bottom head, producing a characteristic rattling sound.
6 Letters
CYMBAL: A concave, circular brass plate that produces a clashing sound when struck, often used in pairs or singly.
MARACA: A rattle made from a dried gourd or similar container filled with seeds or beads, typically played in pairs.
CHIMES: A set of tuned metal tubes or bars, hung vertically and struck to produce musical notes, often used in orchestral music.
7 Letters
TIMPANI: A type of drum, typically played in pairs or sets of four or more, with a pedal mechanism for changing pitch; also known as kettledrums.
8 Letters
TRIANGLE: A triangular-shaped metal rod, open at one corner, struck with a metal beater to produce a high-pitched, ringing sound.
9 Letters
XYLOPHONE: A musical instrument consisting of wooden bars of various lengths, which are struck with mallets to produce musical notes.
10 Letters
TAMBOURINE: A shallow drum with jingles (pairs of small metal discs) set into the frame, played by shaking or striking.
More About "crossword clue for percussion instrument"
Percussion instruments form the backbone of rhythm in virtually every musical genre around the world. Their versatility in creating diverse sounds – from the booming bass of a bass drum to the delicate ring of a triangle – makes them essential for adding texture, drive, and excitement to any composition. This broad family of instruments is defined by the method of sound production: they are struck, shaken, scraped, or rubbed to produce vibrations.
Common percussion instruments found in orchestras include the timpani, snare drum, cymbals, and xylophone, each contributing unique timbres. Beyond classical music, instruments like bongos, congas, maracas, and shakers are integral to folk, jazz, and popular music, often originating from rich cultural traditions globally. Crossword clues for these instruments often focus on their sound, material, origin, or how they are played, testing your knowledge of their distinct characteristics.
Understanding the variety within percussion can significantly help in solving crosswords. Some clues might be straightforward, asking for a common drum, while others might hint at more obscure instruments or specific ways they are used. Always consider the length of the word, and whether the clue points to a specific type of instrument or a broader category within percussion.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Broadly and Narrowly: For clues like "percussion instrument," consider both very common instruments (DRUM, GONG) and more specific ones (TAMBOURINE, XYLOPHONE). The length of the answer will often guide you.
- Analyze Clue Specifics: Does the clue mention "African," "Latin," "orchestral," or a specific sound like "clashing" or "rattling"? These details are crucial for narrowing down the possibilities.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from other clues. Even one letter can eliminate many possibilities and confirm others for a challenging percussion instrument clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main categories of percussion instruments?
Percussion instruments are broadly categorized into idiophones (which produce sound through vibration of the instrument itself, like a xylophone or maraca), membranophones (which produce sound through vibrating membranes, like drums), and sometimes chordophones (if struck, like a hammered dulcimer, though less common in this context) and aerophones (like a whistle or siren, if struck or shaken).
How do I solve crossword clues for musical instruments?
To solve clues for musical instruments, consider the instrument's family (string, wind, brass, percussion), its size, its typical sound, and common associations. Look for clues that hint at specific parts of an orchestra, a band, or a musical genre. Sometimes, a clue might refer to a specific sound or action, like 'clashing sound' for a cymbal.
Are all percussion instruments struck?
While many percussion instruments are struck (e.g., drums, cymbals), the category also includes instruments that are shaken (e.g., maracas, shakers), scraped (e.g., guiro), or rubbed (e.g., a singing bowl). The commonality is that they produce sound by being struck or scraped by an implement or by hands, or by shaking.