Balalaika

Russian 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.

Tuning a 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.

Get-Tuned's Tuner App
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Comments (28)
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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.

by john heaney on

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.

by Gilbert Cupp on

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

by Jane on

Can you put nylon strings on a balalaika?

by Carol on

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.

by Kate on

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

by Mooglee on

Thanks for your. Help (:

by goop on

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 ?

by Olaf Peters on

i eat bees

hi i eat dogs bees flys and ur mom

by ligma balls on

i eat dogs

ur trash at everything you do btw its 2018 no life
e

by poop on

well done..

MY BEST TO YOU ALL.I ENJOY VERY MUCH YOUE COMMENTS AND TELLS..THE VIDEOS OD THE BALALIKAS,ARE VERY GOOD,BRILLIANT,AMITIE(ANY OF YOU LIVE NEAR READING..

by [ITAMAR NARTINEZ on

B mus

is it tuned EEA? and
is the 1st E the treble?

by phil on

balalaika countries

Is there a difference between a Romanian, Ukranian, or Russian balalaika? Or does the name simply refer to where it was built?

by michael on

Don't know how I got it but I did and I like it, also played it with a slide, now want to play it as it should be,

by Tim on

Damiya,😋😍😍😪🙄😴😮🤑😡😈👿👹

Me and my mom.Love micsie *****sssss

by Damiya on

BALALAIKA

I DO PLAY MUSIC

by NICKY HILTON on

I like the CD but I wish it would have been also s video.
I play mostly by ear, so I might be able to follow the cd.
Can a cd be bought? If it can please send me an email. thanks

by Dan Gerard on

How do I tune a 4 string balalaika?

by sandy on

Tune your own way and create

by Elektriccobra on

Mr

Mel Bay`s Complete Balalaika Book (on page xvi) says the "A" string should be 440.0 Hz and the "E" strings should be 659.2Hz

by Bob Holden-Rushworth on
Pages | 1 2
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