Balalaika
About the Balalaika
The balalaika is a stringed instrument that emerged in the 15th Century in Russia. The balalaika is unique that it has a triangular body and 3 strings (or sometimes 6, in 3 pairs). The strings on the balalaika are usually plucked by the fingers but it can also be played with a plectrum (pick). There are many different types of Balalaikas, which are (ordered from smallest to largest in size):
- piccolo
- prima
- secunda
- alto
- bass
- contrabass
The most common balalaika is the prima.
How to Tune the Balalaika
Check out our Online Balalaika Tuner to help you tune your balalaika.
The Prima
The most common balalaika is the prima, which is tuned to EEA (The 2nd and 3rd string are tuned to the same note). Sometimes the balalaika is tuned "guitar style" to GBD (mimicking the three highest strings of the Russian guitar), making it a little bit easier to play for Russian guitarists, although balalaika purists frown on this tuning.
The Secunda
The Secunda Balalaika is tuned to AAD: (1st string: D in first octave) - (2nd string: A in minor octave) - (3rd string A in minor octave) The 2nd and 3rd string are tuned to the same note.
The Alto
The Alto Balalaika is tuned to EEA: (1st string: A in minor octave) - (2nd string: E in minor octave) - (3rd string: E in minor octave) The 2nd and the 3rd string are tuned to the same pitch.
The Bass and Contrabass
The Bass and Contrabass Balalaika are tuned in the same fashion, just the Contrabass is bigger. They are tuned to EAD: (1st string: D in minor octave) - (2nd string: A in major octave) - (3rd string: E in major octave)
Tuning 6 String Balalaikas
I mentioned earlier that there are some six string balalaikas. Basically they are tuned the same fashion that 3 stringed balalaikas are tuned. The difference with 6 string balalaikas is that they have two strings for each one on a regular. For example a 3 stringed prima balalaika is tuned to E-E-A. A 6 stringed prima balalaika would be tune to EE-EE-AA. They are set up in pairs tuned to the same note to produce a harmonizing effect similar to the mandolin.
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thanks for the information,unfortunately the EEA tuning i just cant practically do.i have tuned it BEA and instantly i can play it without loosing its special traditional sound.
4 string
I have a fourth strain balalaika circa 1840. I’m not sure which strings to use and turning. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Have a balalaika and had it restrung a a local shop. It went in with wire strings came back with nylon. What should I expect?. Just learning about this instrument
Can you put nylon strings on a balalaika?
Polish & Yiddish songs on the Balalaika
I have just ordered a 2nd hand prima Balalaika and look forward to learning how to play it. My mum's ancestors are Polish-Ukrainian and Jewish and so I'm looking forward to playing some Polish and Yiddish songs that were written for this lovely instrument that I found on the internet. Thanks for the info here.
Hello. I have obtained my first BALAKACHAVA of the 6 string variety. It sounds like bees.
It could also be due to the fact that I did see an insect of the winged variety crawl inside the dark orifice of this 6 stringed Ukrainian bought instrument.
Will I be able to sell honey soon and what song is most condusive to producing this sweet nectar?
Thanks in advance
Thanks for your. Help (:
I have a Balalaika since 20 Years or longer, never learned how to Play it, so I just put new Strings on it, and will start to play with some Guidance but where do I get the Guidance ?