stringed instrument crossword puzzle clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the clue "stringed instrument crossword puzzle clue", you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving skills.
Solutions for "stringed instrument crossword puzzle clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
LUTE: A plucked string instrument with a deep, rounded body, popular in the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
HARP: A large stringed musical instrument with vertical strings played by plucking, often associated with angels or folklore.
5 Letters
SITAR: A long-necked Indian lute with a distinct buzzing sound, used in classical Indian music.
CELLO: A large bowed string instrument of the violin family, known for its rich, deep tone.
BANJO: A stringed instrument with a thin membrane stretched over a frame as a resonator, typically with four or five strings.
6 Letters
VIOLIN: A bowed string instrument, the smallest and highest-pitched member of the violin family.
GUITAR: A stringed musical instrument, typically with six strings, played by plucking or strumming.
7 Letters
UKULELE: A small, four-stringed Hawaiian guitar, popular for its light, bright sound.
8 Letters
MANDOLIN: A musical instrument of the lute family, with a rounded body and a fretted neck, typically with eight strings in four courses, played with a plectrum.
More About "stringed instrument crossword puzzle clue"
The clue "stringed instrument" is a classic in the world of crosswords, often appearing across various difficulty levels. Its broad nature allows for a wide range of potential answers, from common household names like GUITAR and VIOLIN to more exotic or historical options such as SITAR or LUTE. The key to solving this type of clue often lies in the number of letters provided and the intersecting words you've already filled in.
Understanding the categories of stringed instruments can be very helpful. They can be plucked (guitar, harp, lute, banjo, mandolin, ukulele), bowed (violin, cello, viola, double bass), or even struck (piano, though less common for this specific clue). Crossword setters love to play on these distinctions, sometimes adding adjectives like "ancient," "bowed," or "plucked" to narrow down the possibilities. Familiarity with instrument families and their typical letter counts is a strong asset for any crossword enthusiast.
Remember that crosswords often use common knowledge. While there are countless stringed instruments globally, the most frequently appearing answers are usually those widely known or historically significant in Western music, or culturally prominent if specified. Always consider the context of the puzzle, such as its geographical or historical theme if one is apparent.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Check Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters in the answer grid to the possible solutions. This is the quickest way to narrow down the options for "stringed instrument" clues.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: The letters from already-solved intersecting words are your best friends. They can instantly confirm or rule out potential answers for "stringed instrument."
- Think Broadly & Specifically: If stuck, consider both very common stringed instruments and slightly less common but still well-known ones. Also, look for any modifiers in the clue (e.g., "small stringed instrument") that might point to a specific type like UKULELE.
- Consider Variations: Some crosswords might accept abbreviations or less common spellings, though this is rare for instrument names. Stick to the most recognized spellings first.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common stringed instruments found in crosswords?
Common answers for 'stringed instrument' clues include LUTE, HARP, VIOLIN, GUITAR, CELLO, and BANJO. Sometimes less common ones like SITAR or UKULELE might appear, especially in trickier puzzles.
How can I tell if a stringed instrument answer is correct?
Always cross-reference with intersecting words. Ensure the letter count matches the provided spaces. Pay attention to any additional descriptors in the clue, such as 'ancient stringed instrument' (LUTE) or 'bowed stringed instrument' (CELLO, VIOLIN).
Are pianos considered stringed instruments in crosswords?
While technically a piano is a stringed instrument (strings struck by hammers), crossword clues usually specify 'keyboard instrument' or 'percussion instrument' for 'PIANO.' If the clue specifically mentions 'stringed,' it's more likely looking for instruments like guitars or violins, but it's not impossible for 'PIANO' to be an answer in some contexts.