Gently play, as a guitar

STRUM

Think of the light, rhythmic motion you'd use with your fingers or a pick to brush across the strings without pressing down. It’s the opposite of plucking a single note.

The clue "Gently play, as a guitar" hints at the light, rhythmic way you brush your fingers across the strings. "Strum" fits because it’s the common term for that action—soft but deliberate, unlike aggressive plucking or strumming hard. The word "gently" reinforces the idea of a light touch, which aligns perfectly with how most people casually strum a guitar. No hidden wordplay here, just a straightforward definition.