Editing Balalaika (section)

== Types ==
[[File:Isfl secunda balalaika.png|thumb|Secunda size]]

[[File:Contrabassbalalaika.jpg|thumb|Contrabass size]]

[[File:A prima balalaika and a bass balalaika.jpg|thumb|A prima balalaika and a bass balalaika]]

The most common solo instrument is the prima, which is tuned E<sub>4</sub>–E<sub>4</sub>–A<sub>4</sub> (thus the two lower [[strings (music)|strings]] are [[Musical tuning|tuned]] to the same pitch). Sometimes the balalaika is tuned "guitar style" by folk musicians to G<sub>3</sub>–B<sub>3</sub>–D<sub>4</sub> (mimicking the three highest strings of the [[Russian guitar]]), whereby it is easier to play for Russian guitar players, although classically trained balalaika purists avoid this tuning. It can also be tuned to E<sub>4</sub>–A<sub>4</sub>–D<sub>5</sub>, like its cousin, the [[domra]], to make it easier for those trained on the domra to play the instrument, and still have a balalaika sound.<ref>[http://www.get-tuned.com/balalaika.php How to tune a Balalaika] ''www.get-tuned.com'' accessed 30 January 2021</ref>  The folk (pre-Andreev) tunings D<sub>4</sub>–F{{music|sharp}}<sub>4</sub>–A<sub>4</sub> and C<sub>4</sub>–E<sub>4</sub>–G<sub>4</sub> were very popular, as this makes it easier to play certain [[riff]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://balalaikafr.free.fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18&Itemid=61&lang=us|title=Balalaika.fr – Origins of balalaika|author=Micha Tcherkassky |website=balalaikafr.free.fr}}</ref>

Balalaikas have been made in the following sizes:<ref>Ekkel, Bibs; ''The Complete Balalaika Book''; Mel Bay Publications; Pacific, Missouri:  1997.  pg. 90–92.  {{ISBN|0-7866-2475-2}}</ref>
:{| class="wikitable"
! Name !! Length !! Common tuning
|-
| descant{{efn|name=a}} || {{circa}} {{convert|46|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} || E<sub>5</sub> E<sub>5</sub> A<sub>5</sub>
|-
| piccolo{{efn|name=b}} || {{circa}} {{convert|61|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} || B<sub>4</sub> E<sub>5</sub> A<sub>5</sub>
|-
| prima{{efn|name=c}} || {{convert|66|-|69|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} || E<sub>4</sub> E<sub>4</sub> A<sub>4</sub>
|-
| secunda{{efn|name=c}}{{efn|name=d}} || {{convert|68|-|74|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} || A<sub>3</sub> A<sub>3</sub> D<sub>4</sub>
|-
| alto{{efn|name=c}} || {{convert|81|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} || E<sub>3</sub> E<sub>3</sub> A<sub>3</sub>
|-
| tenor{{efn|name=a}} || {{convert|91|-|97|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} || A<sub>2</sub> A<sub>2</sub> D<sub>3</sub>
|-
| bass{{efn|name=c}} || {{convert|104|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} || E<sub>2</sub> A<sub>2</sub> D<sub>3</sub>
|-
| contrabass{{efn|name=b}}{{efn|name=c}} || {{convert|130|-|165|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} || E<sub>1</sub> A<sub>1</sub> D<sub>2</sub>
|}

{{notelist|refs=
{{efn|name=a|Obsolete}}
{{efn|name=b|Rare}}
{{efn|name=c|Members of the modern balalaika orchestra}}
{{efn|name=d|Secundas are often the same instrument as primas, just tuned to a lower pitch range}}
}}
Factory-made six-string prima balalaikas with three sets of double [[Course (music)|course]]s are also common. These have three double courses similar to the stringing of the [[mandolin]] and often use a "guitar" tuning.<ref>[http://www.mandolinluthier.com/balalaika_page.htm   What is a balalaika?] ''www.mandolinluthier.com'' accessed 30 January 2021</ref>

Four-string alto balalaikas are also encountered and are used in the orchestra of the [[Piatnistky Folk Choir]].

The piccolo, prima, and secunda balalaikas were originally strung with gut with the thinnest melody string made of stainless steel. Today, nylon strings are commonly used in place of gut.<ref name= "basic info">[http://www.balalajka.com/info.html Basic Information] ''www.balalajka.com'' accessed 30 January 2021</ref>

Amateur and/or souvenir-style prima balalaikas usually have a total of 16 frets, while in professional orchestra-like ones that number raises to 24.<ref name= "basic info"/>

=== Technique ===

An important part of balalaika technique is the use of the left thumb to fret notes on the lower string, particularly on the prima, where it is used to form [[chord (music)|chords]]. Traditionally, the side of the [[index finger]] of the right hand is used to sound notes on the prima, while a [[plectrum]] is used on the larger sizes.

Because of the large size of the contrabass's strings, it is not uncommon to see players using a plectrum made from a leather shoe or boot [[heel (shoe)|heel]]. Bass and contrabass balalaikas rest on the ground, on a wooden or metal pin that is drilled into one of its corners.