The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SPICCATO
S
P
I
C
C
A
T
O
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "style of playing a stringed instrument" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case style of playing a stringed instrument = spiccato.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SPICCATO mean?
SPICCATO noun- A manner of playing a stringed instrument such that the bow is bounced off the strings after each note.
- Detached; separated; with every note performed in a distinct and pointed manner.