russian stringed instrument triangular body

#Russian stringed instrument triangular body how to#

Bass and Contrabass: the bass and contrabass balalaika only differ in size both are usually tuned to E-A-D.Prima: is usually tuned to E-E-A in the octave above middle C.Making sure to turn the pegs in small increments when turning is important because overtightening can lead to snapped strings. From the highest-pitched to the lowest toned instrument, the order is: piccolo, prima, secunda, alto, bass, and contrabass balalaika.

#Russian stringed instrument triangular body how to#

How to tune this musical instrument depends on which type you own. In order for it to produce the intended tones, you should check the tuning of your instrument every time you play it. How do you tune a balalaika?Īs with other guitars, the balalaika needs regular tuning. The Russian Balalaika Orchestra performed throughout the country then and introduced America to their beautiful music. These kinds of guitars have been known in the United States since the start of the 20th century. The instrument's popularity grew with the increased interest in its sound from outside of Russia. The name balalaika is similar to a Russian word meaning babble or chatter, referring to the jabbering sound the guitar produces when played. WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary. The domra is a round-bodied and long-necked instrument that originated in the Caucasus region of Russia. Music and Dancea Russian stringed instrument with a triangular body, three strings, and a neck like a guitar. Where do balalaikas come from?Īlthough the exact origins are unknown, it is said that in the 1800s, the Russian guitar descended from another stringed instrument that is called a domra. In order to produce music, the player plucks the strings with their fingers or uses a plectrum made of leather. This musical instrument comes in many different sizes from the high-pitched piccolo all the way to the bass and contrabass balalaika.

Several other variations have six, four, or sometimes just one cord. Russian guitars have a fretted neck, and most have three strings. Traditionally, they have a triangular body made of wood such as spruce, evergreen, fir, or maple, and many have beautifully decorated tops. What is a balalaika?Ī balalaika is a stringed musical instrument, belonging to the lute family, that is used mostly in Russian folk music. Since the beginning of the 20th century, they have been used in North America, and many people around the world play this delightful instrument. Russian three-stringed guitars play an important part in Russian folk music.