Topmusicanswers
How is a balalaika tuned?
The most common version of the balalaika is called “prima”. It's tuned E4, E4, A4 – where the two lower strings are tuned to the same pitch. Sometimes it's tuned in a so called “guitar style” G3, B3, D4. That's the same way the three highest strings of the Russian guitar is tuned.
How to strum balalaika?
Hold the balalaika close to your chest with the body of the instrument resting under your right arm and the corner between your knees. Strum high on the soundboard near the neck. Relax the hand, wrist and forearm, and strum from the elbow, using the edge of your thumb or tip of your index finger.
How to hold the balalaika?
Hold the neck between the thumb and index finger of your left hand. Tuck the body of the balalaika under your right arm and hold it close to your chest. The corner of the instrument should rest between your knees. This is a very similar position to playing the guitar.
