Fretted ancestor of the fiddle Crossword Clue

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Hereby find the answer to the clue " Fretted ancestor of the fiddle " ,crossword hint that was earlier published on "USA Today".
Please find the answer to the given crossword puzzle below:

Understanding Today's Crossword Puzzle

In today's crossword puzzle, the clue "Fretted ancestor of the fiddle" leads us to the answer "VIOL." Here's why this clue corresponds to this particular answer:

• Historical Connection: The term "ancestor of the fiddle" hints at an older string instrument that shares similarities with the modern violin. The viol family of instruments, including the viola da gamba, predates the violin and was prominent during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
• Fretted Nature: The use of the word "fretted" in the clue indicates that the instrument in question has frets, which are raised strips on the fingerboard that help produce different pitches. Viols, like the viola da gamba, often had these frets to assist in playing specific notes accurately.
• Musical Evolution: The evolution of string instruments from the early viols to the modern violin is a crucial aspect to consider in solving this clue. Understanding the historical progression of musical instruments helps in connecting the clue to the correct answer, "VIOL."

By considering the historical context, fretted design, and musical evolution, it becomes clear that the answer "VIOL" is the best match for the clue "Fretted ancestor of the fiddle." This demonstrates the intricate connections between musical instruments and their historical development within the realm of crossword puzzles.

Definition of "VIOL"

a musical instrument of the Renaissance and baroque periods, typically six-stringed, held vertically and played with a bow.

 The Crossword clue "Fretted ancestor of the fiddle" published 1 time/s & has 1 answer/s. 

Crossword	Date	Answer
USA Today	4 January 2018	VIOL