Balalaikas

Balalaikas are a family of Russian plucked string instruments characterized by a triangular wooden body and a long neck, typically with three strings. The instrument is most often played by plucking or strumming, with the right hand using fingers or a plectrum. A standard balalaika has a shallow, hollow body made from wood and a neck with tied or fretted fingerboard. The three strings are usually metal and tuned to accommodate folk melodies and chords common in Russian music. The instrument exists in several sizes, with the three main members being the prima (the smallest and highest-pitched), the sekunda (or seconda, the middle size), and the bass balalaika (the largest). Some ensembles also use a contrabass balalaika to supply low tones.

Historically, the balalaika developed in Russia, with earlier forms appearing in the 18th century or earlier, and gained organized popularity in the 19th and early 20th centuries through folk orchestras and educational programs. It became a symbol of Russian folk music worldwide thanks to formal ensembles and cultural promotion.

In performance, balalaikas provide melodic and rhythmic support, with the prima often carrying the lead melody while the sekunda and bass support harmony and bass lines. Modern composers have integrated balalaikas into classical, film, and contemporary music, and there are many instructional resources and repertoire pieces available for players at all levels.