Balalaika

About the Sound and Character

The sound of the balalaika is ringing, open, spirited, and slightly dry. The instrument is ideal for performing rapid dance tunes and chastushkas, yet through vibrato technique it can sound deeply lyrical and soulful.

Structure and Features

It features a recognizable triangular wooden body glued together from several segments (staves). Only 3 strings are stretched across its long fretted neck (modern academic tuning: two E notes of the same octave and one A). Sound is produced by strumming with the index finger or plucking.

Genres

• Russian folk and academic music
• Orchestras of Russian folk instruments
• Folk ensembles