crossword clue stringed instrument – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! You've landed on the right page for all possible solutions to the popular crossword clue "stringed instrument". Whether you're stuck on a tricky puzzle or just double-checking your answer, we've got you covered with a comprehensive list of solutions by letter count and helpful explanations.
Solutions for "crossword clue stringed instrument" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HARP: A large, triangular stringed instrument played by plucking its strings, often found in orchestras or folk music.
LUTE: An ancient, pear-shaped stringed instrument with a long neck and multiple strings, popular in medieval and Renaissance music.
5 Letters
CELLO: A large stringed instrument of the violin family, played upright between the legs with a bow.
BANJO: A four- or five-stringed instrument with a thin membrane stretched over a pot-like frame.
SITAR: A large, long-necked Indian lute with movable frets, played by plucking its strings.
6 Letters
GUITAR: A popular fretted stringed instrument, typically with six strings, played with a pick or fingers.
VIOLIN: A small, high-pitched stringed instrument, the smallest member of the violin family, played with a bow.
ZITHER: A musical instrument consisting of a flat wooden sound box with numerous strings stretched across it.
7 Letters
UKULELE: A small, four-stringed Hawaiian guitar-like instrument, known for its cheerful sound.
8 Letters
MANDOLIN: A small, stringed musical instrument in the lute family, typically plucked with a plectrum.
DULCIMER: A stringed instrument of the zither family, whose strings are struck with hammers, creating a unique percussive sound.
More About "crossword clue stringed instrument"
The clue "stringed instrument" is a classic in the world of crosswords, appearing in puzzles of all difficulty levels. This broad category encompasses a vast array of musical devices, from orchestral mainstays to folk favorites and ancient relics. Crossword setters love this clue because it allows for a wide range of answers depending on the required letter count and intersecting letters.
When you encounter this clue, consider the context of the puzzle. Is it a themed puzzle focused on music? Are there any other clues that hint at a specific era or culture? Paying attention to these subtle cues can help you pinpoint the exact instrument the setter has in mind. Common answers often include instruments like GUITAR, VIOLIN, and HARP, but don't be surprised to see less common ones like SITAR, ZITHER, or DULCIMER, especially in larger grids.
Understanding the basic families of stringed instruments – plucked (guitars, harps, lutes), bowed (violins, cellos), and struck (pianos, dulcimers) – can also provide a strategic advantage when solving. While a PIANO is technically a stringed instrument, it's less commonly the answer to this direct clue unless indicated by other elements.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters Carefully: Always check the number of boxes in the grid first. This is the most crucial piece of information for narrowing down "stringed instrument" answers.
- Look for Intersecting Clues: Use letters from already solved intersecting words to quickly reveal the correct instrument. Even one or two letters can make a huge difference.
- Consider Common vs. Obscure: If you have only a few letters, think of the most common instruments. For longer answers, be prepared for less familiar names that might still fit the description.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Sometimes, the answer might be an instrument not commonly thought of as 'stringed' in everyday conversation (e.g., a specific type of lute or a harp with a less common name).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are stringed instruments common in crosswords?
Stringed instruments are a rich category with many common and less common names of varying lengths, making them versatile for crossword setters to use. They often appear as general answers or require specific knowledge of musical terminology.
What should I consider when the clue is vague like 'stringed instrument'?
When a clue is broad, focus on the number of letters required. Also, consider if there are any intersecting letters from other clues that can narrow down the possibilities. Think of both common instruments (guitar, violin) and more obscure ones (sitar, zither) if you have many letters.
Are pianos considered stringed instruments in crosswords?
While technically a stringed instrument (strings are struck by hammers), 'PIANO' is often clued more directly as a 'keyboard instrument' or similar. However, depending on the setter's style and letter count, it could sometimes be an answer for 'stringed instrument'.