stringed instrument crossword clue – All Crossword Answers

Q: How can I tell if a 'stringed instrument' clue refers to an ancient instrument?

Clues for ancient instruments often include words like 'old,' 'ancient,' 'renaissance,' 'medieval,' or refer to their shape (e.g., 'pear-shaped lute'). Look for these modifiers.

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "stringed instrument crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive answers organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.

Solutions for "stringed instrument crossword clue" by Letter Count

4 Letters

HARP: A large, triangular instrument played by plucking its many strings.

LUTE: A stringed instrument with a long neck and a deep, round back, popular in the Renaissance.

5 Letters

BANJO: A stringed instrument with a circular body, often associated with folk and bluegrass music.

CELLO: A large stringed instrument of the violin family, played upright between the legs.

6 Letters

GUITAR: A popular fretted string instrument, typically with six strings, played by strumming or plucking.

VIOLIN: A small, high-pitched string instrument played with a bow, part of the orchestral string section.

7 Letters

UKULELE: A small, four-stringed Hawaiian guitar.

More About "stringed instrument crossword clue"

Stringed instruments form a vast and diverse category, making them a recurring and often intriguing subject in crosswords. From ancient lutes to modern guitars, these instruments produce sound through vibrating strings, which can be bowed, plucked, or struck. Crossword setters love to tap into this rich variety, offering clues that range from general descriptions to very specific historical or geographical references.

When you encounter "stringed instrument" in a crossword, consider the context. Is the clue asking for a common orchestral instrument like a VIOLIN or CELLO, a folk instrument such as a BANJO, or perhaps an older, less common one like a HARP or LUTE? The letter count is always your first hint, narrowing down the possibilities significantly. Think about instruments popular in various genres of music or those with distinct cultural associations.

Beyond the simple identification, clues might hint at the way the instrument is played (e.g., "bowed string"), its origin (e.g., "Hawaiian stringed instrument"), or even its shape. A deep knowledge of these musical tools, their history, and their common names can give you a significant edge in solving even the trickiest "stringed instrument" related clues.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Check Letter Count First: Always use the number of letters provided in the clue to immediately narrow down potential stringed instrument answers. This is the most crucial step.
Consider Instrument Families: Think about how the instrument is played. Is it bowed (VIOLIN, CELLO), plucked (GUITAR, HARP, LUTE, BANJO, UKULELE), or struck (though less common for this specific clue, PIANO is technically stringed)? This classification can help.
Look for Specific Descriptors: Pay close attention to any adjectives in the clue. Words like "small," "ancient," "orchestral," "folk," or geographical terms (e.g., "Hawaiian") are vital hints that point to a particular instrument.
Utilize Intersecting Clues: The letters from other solved clues that cross your "stringed instrument" clue are invaluable. Use them to confirm or eliminate potential answers, making the solution much clearer.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most common stringed instrument in crosswords?

While many appear, GUITAR and VIOLIN are very frequent due to their commonality and balanced letter counts. HARP and LUTE also often appear for shorter answers, making them common solutions for "stringed instrument" clues.

Are pianos considered stringed instruments in crosswords?

Technically, yes, pianos have strings that are struck by hammers. However, in crosswords, "stringed instrument" often points to those where strings are directly plucked or bowed. Pianos are more often clued as "keyboard instrument" or by their number of keys rather than just "stringed instrument."

How can I tell if a "stringed instrument" clue refers to an ancient instrument?

Clues for ancient instruments often include specific modifying words or phrases. Look for terms like "old," "ancient," "renaissance instrument," "medieval," or descriptions of their historical context or unique shape (e.g., "pear-shaped lute").