

The February 23 puzzle centers on guitar parts and musical terminology.
GUITAR serves as the spangram, connecting all instrument components.
Spotting structural terms early makes the grid quicker to solve.
The latest NYT Strands Today puzzle introduces a musical element that perfectly matches the preferences of word game enthusiasts. The grid presents a clever theme that connects its answers to create a puzzle that blends logical thinking with creative expression.
The official theme, “Strike a chord,” points directly to a beloved musical instrument. Each theme word represents a different part of a guitar. From tuning components to structural elements, the grid forms a complete breakdown of the instrument’s anatomy. The February 23 NYT Strands Answer ties everything together through a single, fitting spangram.
Below are helpful clues, including starting letters and word lengths:
HE (9 letters) – Holds the tuning machines at the top.
NE (4 letters) – The long section connecting body and head.
GU (6 letters) – The full instrument itself.
PE (4 letters) – Used to tighten or loosen strings.
BR (6 letters) – Anchors the strings to the body.
BO (4 letters) – The main hollow or solid section.
ST (6 letters) – Produces sound when plucked or strummed.
FR (9 letters) – Surface where fingers press to change pitch.
All non-spangram theme words in today’s puzzle:
HEADSTOCK
NECK
PEGS
BRIDGE
BODY
STRING
FRETBOARD
The spangram is GUITAR.
The central word functions as a link between two board sections while it establishes the complete theme of the game. The grid achieves a unified appearance because all other answers show different physical parts that make up a guitar.
Start by identifying obvious theme connections from the clue. The puzzle needs solving through longer word detection because these words provide essential details about its solution. The alphabet allows word construction through diagonal letter connections, which enable letter changes during word formation. Unrelated four-letter word creation provides essential hints needed to progress when a person reaches a deadlock in the game.
The February 23 puzzle offers a harmonious mix of vocabulary and pattern recognition. Challenges like this highlight why NYT Strands Today continues to engage puzzle enthusiasts, sharpening both language skills and logical thinking with every grid.