Guide to Balalaikas

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Kinds of Balalaikas include the following:

Piccolo balalaika

• The piccolo balalaika is strung with a wire string on top and gut or nylon string at the bottom.
• It is the rarest and the least used type of balalaika.

• The prima balalaika is the most common size for balalaikas.
• It is tuned to the keys of E-E-A.
• It is played using a variety of techniques.
• It can also be played using a plectrum, though the practice is not very usual.

• The secunda (second) balalaika is slightly larger than the prima model.
• It is tuned to the keys of A-A-D.
• Just like a piccolo model, it is strung with a wire string on top and gut or nylon string at the bottom.

• The alto balalaika is larger than the secunda and prima balalaika.
• It is tuned an octave lower than the prima.

• The bass and contrabass balalaika is the largest type of balalaika.
• The bass model is tuned to the keys of E-A-D, while the contrabass model is tuned to the same keys only they are one octave lower.
• It can be played using a leather pick.

Strings: Choose a balalaika with strings made of nylon instead of steel, as they are more durable and gentler on the fingers.

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