old stringed instrument crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "old stringed instrument crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LYRE: An ancient U-shaped stringed instrument, typically played by plucking, often associated with ancient Greece.
LUTE: A stringed instrument with a body shaped like a halved pear, a neck with frets, and a pegbox angled back from the neck, popular in the Renaissance.
VIOL: A stringed musical instrument of the Renaissance and Baroque periods, typically with a fretted neck, a flat back, and sloping shoulders.
5 Letters
REBEC: A medieval stringed instrument of the viol family, having a pear-shaped body and played with a bow.
6 Letters
ZITHER: A stringed instrument consisting of a flat wooden soundbox with numerous strings stretched across it, played horizontally.
SPINET: A small harpsichord or other stringed keyboard instrument, popular in the 17th and 18th centuries.
7 Letters
CITTERN: A stringed instrument of the guitar family with a flat back and a pear-shaped body, popular in the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
8 Letters
DULCIMER: A stringed instrument with a trapezoidal sound box, over which strings are stretched, played by striking the strings with small hammers.
PSALTERY: An ancient or medieval stringed instrument similar to a zither or dulcimer, played by plucking the strings.
More About "old stringed instrument crossword clue"
The clue "old stringed instrument" is a classic in crossword puzzles, often appearing due to the rich history and diversity of musical instruments. These clues test your knowledge of less common or historical instruments that predate modern orchestral staples. Understanding the common types and their key characteristics can significantly speed up your puzzle-solving.
Instruments like the LYRE, LUTE, and VIOL are popular choices because they represent distinct eras and musical traditions. The LYRE, for instance, evokes images of ancient Greece, while the LUTE is synonymous with the European Renaissance. Crossword setters often use these terms to prompt a specific historical context, helping solvers narrow down possibilities based on letter count and surrounding letters.
Beyond the most common answers, knowing instruments like the REBEC, ZITHER, DULCIMER, or PSALTERY can provide solutions for longer letter counts or more challenging puzzles. Each of these instruments has a unique history and place in the evolution of music, making them fascinating subjects for those interested in the origins of sound.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always check the number of letters required. This immediately eliminates many possibilities for "old stringed instrument" and helps you focus on instruments that fit the length.
- Think Historically: When you see "old," think ancient, medieval, or Renaissance periods. This mental filter helps you avoid modern instruments and focus on truly historical ones.
- Look for Common Roots: Many old stringed instruments are ancestors of modern ones (e.g., VIOL to violin). If you're stuck, think about common instrument families and their older counterparts.
- Cross-Reference with Checking Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting clues. This is crucial for confirming or ruling out potential answers like LYRE or LUTE.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a common 4-letter answer for 'old stringed instrument'?
Common 4-letter answers include LYRE, LUTE, or VIOL. These instruments date back centuries and are frequent crossword puzzle solutions.
How can I identify an 'old stringed instrument' in a crossword with limited letters?
Consider the number of letters. For short answers, think of iconic ancient instruments like LYRE or LUTE. For longer answers, less common but still old instruments like DULCIMER or PSALTERY might be appropriate.
Are instruments like guitars considered 'old stringed instruments' in crosswords?
While guitars have a long history, crossword clues using 'old' often refer to instruments from ancient times, the medieval period, or the Renaissance. Terms like LUTE, LYRE, or REBEC are more typical for this clue type than 'GUITAR'.