keyboard instrument crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the "keyboard instrument crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and accurately.
Solutions for "keyboard instrument crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
PIANO: A large stringed keyboard instrument, very common in music and crosswords. Its name often comes up for shorter answers.
ORGAN: A wind instrument with multiple keyboards (manuals) and pedalboard, known for its powerful sound, often found in churches.
SYNTH: Short for synthesizer, an electronic musical instrument that generates and modifies sounds, popular in modern music.
7 Letters
CELESTA: A small keyboard instrument with a range of four or five octaves, in which felted hammers strike steel plates suspended over wooden resonators, producing a bell-like tone.
8 Letters
KEYBOARD: While general, 'keyboard' itself can be an answer when the clue is broader, or refers to the type of instrument as a whole.
9 Letters
ACCORDION: A portable musical instrument with a bellows, reeds, and a keyboard or buttons, played by compressing or expanding the bellows.
11 Letters
HARPSICHORD: An early stringed keyboard instrument, popular from the 16th to 18th centuries, where strings are plucked by quills.
More About "keyboard instrument crossword clue"
Keyboard instruments encompass a vast and fascinating family of musical devices, each with its unique sound and history. From the grand piano found in concert halls to the compact synthesizer used in electronic music, these instruments share the common characteristic of having a row of keys that the player presses to produce sound.
When encountering a "keyboard instrument crossword clue," consider the era, sound, or specific use hinted at in the clue. Older clues might lean towards classical instruments like the harpsichord or organ, while modern puzzles could feature a synth or digital piano. The letter count is your best friend here, narrowing down the possibilities significantly. Don't forget that some instruments, like the accordion, also feature a keyboard and can fit the description!
Understanding the nuances of these instruments can give you a significant edge in solving crosswords. A broad knowledge of musical terminology and instrument types will help you connect obscure clues to their correct answers more efficiently.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always match your potential answer with the number of blank spaces in the puzzle. This is the fastest way to eliminate incorrect options for "keyboard instrument" or any other clue.
- Think Broadly and Narrowly: Start with the most common answers (like PIANO or ORGAN), but be prepared to consider more obscure instruments if the letters don't fit or the clue is particularly specific (e.g., "Baroque plucking keyboard instrument" for HARPSICHORD).
- Look for Contextual Clues: Crossword clues often hide hints about the instrument's era, sound, or specific features. Phrases like "electronic," "church," "orchestral," or "early music" can guide you to the right answer.
- Check for Synonyms and Abbreviations: Sometimes, an instrument might be clued by a synonym or a common abbreviation, such as SYNTH for synthesizer. Keep an eye out for these variations.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most common keyboard instrument answer in crosswords?
PIANO is by far one of the most frequently appearing keyboard instrument answers in crossword puzzles due to its commonality and versatile letter count. ORGAN is also very popular, especially for answers of five letters.
How do I identify a less common keyboard instrument clue?
Look for specific details in the clue. For example, 'Baroque keyboard instrument' might point to a HARPSICHORD or CLAVICHORD, while 'Electronic keyboard' could suggest SYNTH or MELLOTRON. The number of letters available is also a crucial hint.
Are there keyboard instruments that don't use the word 'keyboard'?
Yes, many! Instruments like the PIANO, ORGAN, ACCORDION, HARPSICHORD, CLAVICHORD, CELESTA, and SYNTH all feature a keyboard mechanism but are known by their unique names. The clue will often provide enough context to distinguish them.