Verb for a guitar (5) - Crossword Clue
Answer: STRUM
Understanding the Crossword Connection
- Crossword constructors love STRUM because it's exactly five letters and immediately recognizable to anyone familiar with stringed instruments.
- The clue "verb for a guitar" signals you're looking for an action word specifically associated with guitar playing.
- Other related terms like "pluck" (5 letters) or "pick" (4 letters) might seem similar, but STRUM remains the most accurate answer when the letter count is five and the context involves producing chords rather than single notes.
Related Crossword Answers and Guitar Terms
- If STRUM doesn't fit your puzzle, consider these alternative guitar-related verbs: PLUCK (5 letters) for picking individual strings, FRET (4 letters) for pressing strings against the fingerboard, or TUNE (4 letters) for adjusting string pitch.
- Understanding these related terms helps crossword solvers recognize patterns in music-themed clues and expands your musical vocabulary for future puzzles.
Tips for Crossword Solvers
- Look for letter count first: When you see "verb for a guitar" with 5 spaces, STRUM should be your first guess—it's the most common five-letter guitar verb in crosswords.
- Check crossing answers: If you're unsure, fill in intersecting words first. The letters S, T, R, U, or M in crossing positions will confirm STRUM as the correct answer.
- Remember context clues: Words like "play," "technique," or "action" in the clue suggest you need a verb, narrowing your options significantly.
- Build your music vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with common crossword music terms—ARIA, OBOE, CLEF, STRUM, and TUNE appear frequently and knowing them speeds up solving time.
- Consider the puzzle's difficulty: In easier puzzles, "verb for a guitar" almost always means STRUM. Harder puzzles might use more obscure clues, but the straightforward five-letter answer remains consistent.
Verb for a guitar (5) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why is STRUM such a common crossword answer?
A: STRUM fits perfectly at five letters, uses common letters (S, T, R, U, M), and is universally recognized as the primary guitar-playing technique, making it an ideal crossword entry.
Q: What's the difference between strumming and picking?
A: Strumming involves playing multiple strings simultaneously with a sweeping motion, while picking (or plucking) targets individual strings one at a time for melodic lines or fingerstyle patterns.
Q: Can you strum other instruments besides guitar?
A: Yes! You can strum ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, and other stringed instruments using the same technique, though the patterns and hand positions may vary slightly.
Q: Are there famous songs that feature distinctive strumming patterns?
A: Absolutely—songs like "Wonderwall" by Oasis, "Horse with No Name" by America, and "Tears in Heaven" by Eric Clapton all feature memorable, recognizable strumming patterns that define their sound.
