percussion instrument crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're searching for answers to the clue "percussion instrument crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you through your puzzle.
Solutions for "percussion instrument crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DRUM: A hollow, cylindrical musical instrument, often covered with a skin, played by striking to produce sound.
GONG: A large, flat, circular metal disc that produces a resonant sound when struck with a mallet.
5 Letters
BONGO: One of a pair of small drums, typically played with the fingers.
CONGA: A tall, narrow, single-headed drum of Cuban origin, usually played in groups of two or three.
6 Letters
CYMBAL: A concave brass plate that produces a clashing sound when struck, commonly used in orchestras and drum kits.
MARACA: A rattle made from a gourd or similar container filled with beans or seeds, shaken as a musical instrument.
CHIMES: A set of metal tubes or bells designed to be struck, producing melodic or ringing sounds.
7 Letters
TIMPANI: A type of large kettle drum, typically found in orchestral settings, played with mallets.
8 Letters
TRIANGLE: A simple percussion instrument made of a metal bar bent into a triangular shape, struck with a metal rod.
9 Letters
XYLOPHONE: A musical instrument consisting of wooden bars of various lengths, which are struck with mallets.
10 Letters
TAMBOURINE: A shallow drum with jingles around the frame, played by shaking or striking.
More About "percussion instrument crossword clue"
Percussion instruments are a fascinating and diverse family within the world of music. Defined by the way they produce sound – primarily by being struck, shaken, or scraped – they form the rhythmic backbone of countless musical genres, from classical orchestras to modern pop and traditional folk music. This broad category includes everything from the humble drum and tambourine to the intricate xylophone and the resonating gong.
Their versatility makes them frequent visitors in crossword puzzles. Clues often revolve around their sound, their shape, their origin, or how they are played. Understanding the common examples and their unique characteristics can give you a significant edge when encountering a percussion-related clue. Keep an eye out for clues that hint at rhythm, striking, or shaking, as these are strong indicators that a percussion instrument is the answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. Start by brainstorming percussion instruments that fit the required length.
- Consider Synonyms and Actions: Does the clue mention "beaten," "struck," "shaken," or "rattled"? These action verbs often point directly to percussion instruments.
- Think Broadly: Don't just think of drums. Expand your mental lexicon to include cymbals, triangles, maracas, shakers, xylophones, and more. Crosswords love variety!
- Check Cross-References: If you have intersecting words, use the letters you've already filled in from other clues to narrow down the possibilities for "percussion instrument."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common types of percussion instruments?
Percussion instruments are broadly categorized into definite pitch (like xylophones, timpani) and indefinite pitch (like drums, cymbals, maracas, shakers). They are played by striking, scraping, or shaking.
Why are percussion instruments popular crossword answers?
Percussion instruments are common crossword answers due to their diverse names, varying lengths, and cultural significance. Their distinct sounds and forms provide a rich vocabulary for setters to draw upon, from short words like DRUM or GONG to longer ones like XYLOPHONE or TAMBOURINE.
How can I identify a percussion instrument in a crossword clue?
Look for keywords in the clue like 'beaten,' 'struck,' 'shaken,' 'rhythmic,' 'rattle,' or 'musical instrument.' Sometimes the clue might hint at the material (e.g., 'metal triangle') or the sound it makes.