percussion instruments crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "percussion instruments crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
DRUM: A membranophone instrument, typically played by striking with hands or sticks, used to create rhythmic patterns. Often clued as 'beat maker' or 'kit part'.
GONG: A large, circular metal plate that is struck with a mallet, producing a resonant sound. Often associated with East Asian music and spiritual practices.
5 Letters
BONGO: A pair of small, open-bottomed drums of Cuban origin, played with the hands. Usually clued as 'Cuban drums' or 'small hand drums'.
CONGA: A tall, narrow, single-headed drum, typically played in pairs or sets of three, originating from Cuba. Popular in Latin American music.
6 Letters
CYMBAL: A thin, round metal plate that produces a loud, ringing sound when struck, used in drum kits and orchestras. Frequently clued as 'crash creator' or 'brass disc'.
MARACA: A rattle made from a dried gourd or coconut shell, or a similar container filled with beans or seeds, shaken as a percussion instrument. Frequently clued as 'rhythm shaker' or 'Latin rattle'.
CHIMES: A set of tubular bells, often suspended, that produce a bell-like tone when struck. Can be wind chimes or orchestral chimes.
7 Letters
TIMPANI: A type of drum, also known as kettle drums, played in sets, typically used in orchestral music. Clued as 'orchestra drums' or 'kettle drums'.
8 Letters
TRIANGLE: A musical instrument of the idiophone family, consisting of a metal bar bent into a triangle shape, open at one corner. Often clued as 'orchestra jingler' or 'three-sided instrument'.
9 Letters
XYLOPHONE: A musical instrument in the percussion family that consists of wooden bars struck by mallets. Common clues include 'wooden mallet instrument' or 'pitched percussion'.
10 Letters
TAMBOURINE: A percussion instrument consisting of a frame, often of wood or plastic, with pairs of small metal jingles, played by striking or shaking. Clued as 'handheld jingle instrument' or 'shake it'.
More About "percussion instruments crossword clue"
Percussion instruments form the backbone of rhythm in almost every genre of music across the globe. They are defined by the way they produce sound: by being struck, scraped, rubbed, or shaken. This broad category includes everything from the simple clack of castanets to the complex sounds of a drum kit or an orchestral timpani section. In crosswords, clues for percussion instruments often focus on their sound, material, origin, or common usage.
Identifying percussion instruments in crosswords can sometimes be challenging due to the vast array of instruments and the subtle ways they can be clued. Clues might refer to a specific type of drum, a Latin American shaker, or an orchestral staple. Pay close attention to descriptors like 'beaten,' 'shaken,' 'struck,' or 'rhythmic,' as these are strong indicators that a percussion instrument is the intended answer. Additionally, the number of letters in the answer is a crucial hint, as some instruments have very distinct word lengths.
Understanding the different types of percussion instruments—such as membranophones (drums), idiophones (xylophones, cymbals), and even some aerophones (like certain whistles used percussively)—can greatly assist in solving these clues. Many crosswords will use well-known instruments like DRUM, CYMBAL, or TRIANGLE, but sometimes less common ones like BONGO or MARACA will appear, requiring a broader knowledge of musical terms.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Mind the Letter Count: Always check the number of letters provided in the grid. This is your primary filter for potential answers.
- Look for Sound or Action Clues: Words like "beat," "strike," "shake," "jingle," or "crash" are strong indicators for percussion instruments.
- Consider Synonyms and Related Concepts: Sometimes a clue isn't direct. "Rhythm keeper" could point to a DRUM, or "orchestra noisemaker" to a CYMBAL.
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting letters from solved words to narrow down possibilities. Even one letter can eliminate many incorrect answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common percussion instruments often found in crosswords?
Common percussion instruments that frequently appear in crossword puzzles include DRUM, CYMBAL, BONGO, TRIANGLE, GONG, and MARACA. Their varying lengths and widespread recognition make them popular clues.
How can I identify a percussion instrument from a crossword clue?
Look for keywords in the clue that suggest striking, shaking, beating, or vibrating. Phrases like 'rhythm maker,' 'struck in an orchestra,' 'Latin shaker,' or 'part of a drum kit' often point to percussion instruments. Also, consider the number of letters required.
Are all musical instrument clues percussion instruments?
No, not all musical instrument clues refer to percussion instruments. Clues might also point to string instruments (e.g., VIOLIN, GUITAR), brass instruments (e.g., TRUMPET, TUBA), or woodwinds (e.g., FLUTE, CLARINET). Always consider the context and any additional descriptors in the clue.