Balalaika

Also known as Балалайка

The balalaika is the triangular three-string lute of Russia. The common prima size is tuned E, E, A, with two strings on the same note and the third a fourth higher, and is played with quick finger strokes and strums.

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Balalaika: photograph by Cullen328 — Photo: Cullen328, CC BY-SA 4.0, source on Wikimedia Commons

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How to play

Eight strings are shown side by side: A, B, C and D are played on the A string, E, F and G on the E strings, and the last lane is the full strum across all strings.
Each mark that falls onto the line is one note or strum; play that lane as it arrives.
Moving along a string by frets gives the neighbouring notes, so a short run climbs up the neck.

Rules at a glance

The open strings are E, E and A; fretted notes in A minor fill in F and G on the E string and B, C and D on the A string.
Tunes are played twice through and keep one pulse: a dance tune in two, a slow waltz in three and a strum-and-answer pattern.
A note on the beat scores in full, a close one scores less, and an extra stroke costs a little.

About the tradition

The balalaika has been played in Russia for some three centuries by peasant musicians, accompanying songs and dances, and in the nineteenth century it was refined into a family of sizes for orchestras. The prima is held across the body and sounded with the side of the index finger.

Origins

Usually placed in the era of Crossroads and Golden Ages (about 500 to 1500), although its exact origins are uncertain, within the cultural world of Northern and Eastern Europe.

Credits

Tune patterns: World Heritage Games (original teaching patterns)
Photo: Cullen328, CC BY-SA 4.0, source on Wikimedia Commons
Text: CC BY-SA 4.0, World Heritage Games.

Sources

commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:A_prima_balalaika_and_a_bass_balalaika

Get the app

Balalaika is one of 11 instruments in the String Music of the World app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Live on Google Play. Submitted to the App Store; in review, and the store link appears here the day it goes live. One app, many traditions, no account needed.

See all 11 instruments in the app

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