stringed instruments crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling the clue "stringed instruments crossword 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 guide you to the correct solution for your puzzle.
Solutions for "stringed instruments crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
HARP: An ancient stringed instrument played by plucking the strings, often associated with angels or folklore.
LUTE: A plucked string instrument with a deep, round back, resembling a halved pear, popular in early music.
5 Letters
CELLO: A large string instrument of the violin family, played seated with the instrument resting on the floor and typically bowed.
VIOLA: A string instrument that is slightly larger than a violin and produces a deeper, mellower tone, often played in orchestras.
6 Letters
GUITAR: A popular fretted string instrument, typically played with fingers or a pick, available in acoustic and electric forms.
VIOLIN: A small, high-pitched string instrument played with a bow, known for its leading role in classical music.
7 Letters
UKULELE: A small, four-stringed Hawaiian guitar-like instrument, famous for its distinctive, cheerful sound.
8 Letters
MANDOLIN: A small stringed instrument of the lute family, played with a plectrum, commonly featured in folk and bluegrass music.
More About "stringed instruments crossword clue"
Stringed instruments form the backbone of countless musical traditions worldwide, from classical orchestras to folk ensembles and modern rock bands. In crosswords, clues related to these instruments are quite common due to their diverse names, varying lengths, and distinct characteristics. Whether it's a "bowed instrument" or a "plucked relative of the lute," knowing your musical terminology can significantly aid your puzzle-solving.
The beauty of stringed instruments in crosswords lies in their variety. You might encounter anything from the compact, four-stringed UKULELE to the imposing double bass (though 'BASS' is a more common crossword answer for its brevity). Paying attention to the exact phrasing of the clue – whether it mentions a specific playing style (bowed, plucked, strummed) or a particular family (violin family, lute family) – can often narrow down the possibilities significantly.
Furthermore, crosswords sometimes use less common or historical stringed instruments, such as the LUTE or ZITHER, which adds an extra layer of challenge. Keeping a mental catalogue of these instruments, along with their typical letter counts, will make you a more formidable crossword solver.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Letter Count First: Always cross-reference the number of blank spaces in your puzzle with the possible answer lengths. For "stringed instruments," if you have 4 spaces, think HARP or LUTE before UKULELE.
- Look for Specific Descriptors: Clues often contain hints like "bowed," "plucked," "orchestral," or "Hawaiian." These narrow down the instrument type considerably. For example, "bowed string instrument" strongly suggests VIOLIN, CELLO, or VIOLA.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While GUITAR and VIOLIN are common, crosswords love to trick you with less mainstream answers like LUTE, ZITHER, or SITAR. Expand your musical vocabulary.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is often the most reliable way to confirm or eliminate potential stringed instrument answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common stringed instruments appearing in crosswords?
Common stringed instruments in crosswords include VIOLIN, GUITAR, HARP, CELLO, and LUTE. Shorter answers like HARP or LUTE are frequently used for clues requiring fewer letters, while longer answers such as UKULELE or MANDOLIN appear in more complex puzzles.
How can I identify a stringed instrument answer in a crossword?
Look for clues related to music, orchestras, plucking, bowing, or specific instrument families (e.g., 'bowed instrument', 'plucked lute-like instrument'). The number of letters is also a crucial hint, as some instruments have very distinct lengths.
Are there different types of stringed instrument clues?
Yes, clues can range from direct definitions ('bowed instrument') to more cryptic ones ('player's pluck'). Sometimes, the clue might hint at the instrument's origin (e.g., 'Hawaiian instrument') or its common use (e.g., 'orchestra member'). Context within the puzzle, such as surrounding letters, can also guide you.