The Balalaika Family: A Complete Guide to Russia’s Iconic String Instruments

The Balalaika Family is a group of stringed instruments that shaped the sound of Russian folk music. Each one has a triangle shaped body and just three strings. 

But they don’t all sound the same. From the tiny piccolo to the huge contrabass, every size brings its own tone and role.

You might hear the high, bright notes of a prima. Or feel the deep, strong beat of a contrabass. Together, they create a rich, full sound that’s hard to forget.

This guide will show you what each balalaika does. You’ll learn how they are tuned, played, and how musicians use them in folk groups. 

Whether you want to play one or just understand how they work, this is a great place to start. The balalaika family has a simple look, but a deep voice that carries tradition and story.

What Makes the Balalaika Family Unique Compared to Other String Instruments?

Most string instruments in Western music like the violin, guitar, or cello follow similar construction rules and playing techniques. But the balalaika family breaks from that pattern. The triangle shape, short neck, and three-string setup give it a completely different tone and feel.

One of the standout features is how the instrument is tuned. Instead of standard fifths or fourths like violins or guitars, many balalaikas are tuned to E-E-A. That tuning gives it a bright, sharp tone that cuts through ensemble music. The shape also matters. The triangular body helps project sound in a direct, punchy way.

Another unique trait is how the balalaika is played. Smaller ones are strummed with fingers, while larger versions need picks or even leather plectrums. Some, like the contrabass, are so big they rest on the floor and are played standing up.

So, what sets the family apart isn’t just its look, it’s the mix of tone, tuning, and technique. When played together, these instruments create a full, rhythmic sound that’s both folk and orchestral.

How Many Types of Balalaikas Are There?

There are six primary instruments in the balalaika family:

1. Piccolo Balalaika
2. Prima Balalaika
3. Secunda Balalaika
4. Alto Balalaika
5. Bass Balalaika
6. Contrabass Balalaika

Each plays a specific role in the ensemble. The piccolo is the smallest and highest in pitch, often used for solos or fast melodies. The prima is the most common perfect for both melody and harmony. The secunda and alto balance out the middle tones, providing depth and rhythm.

The bass and contrabass carry the lower end. Their size alone makes them visually striking, but their deep, rich tones are what truly anchor a performance.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Each one complements the others, much like how an orchestra uses different string sections to balance its sound.

What Is the Prima Balalaika and Why Is It So Popular?

The prima balalaika is the most common type you’ll see. It’s used in both solo and ensemble settings. Lightweight and portable, it’s a favorite for folk performers and even some classical musicians.

It’s usually tuned to E-E-A, which gives it a clear, sharp tone. This tuning helps it cut through other instruments in a group, making it perfect for leading melodies or holding a rhythm. It’s small enough to be cradled easily, and musicians usually strum it with their fingers, often using a technique called “skipping,” which gives it a bouncing, percussive sound.

One reason the prima stands out is its versatility. You can play traditional Russian melodies, modern songs, or even jazz with it. Folk orchestras, the heart of the balalaika family sound, typically feature multiple primas because they can switch roles from rhythm to lead in a split second.

If you’re just getting into the balalaika world, the prima is the best place to start. It’s easier to find, has plenty of learning resources, and fits a wide range of musical styles.

What Role Do the Larger Balalaikas Play in Folk Orchestras?

When you move down the size scale from alto to contrabass the sound becomes deeper and rounder. These larger instruments are essential in balancing out the high tones of the prima and piccolo.

The alto balalaika is often used to fill out the harmony. It plays slower, chordal patterns that give richness to the ensemble. It’s tuned similarly to the prima but transposed down, making it great for supporting harmonies.

The bass and contrabass balalaikas are true bass instruments. They’re usually played standing up, supported by a pin on the ground. Musicians use leather picks to strum their thick strings. These instruments provide the bottom line in the balalaika family, acting like the double bass in a Western orchestra.

In traditional Russian folk orchestras, these bigger balalaikas are key. They don’t just add volume they add emotional weight. When a contrabass hits a low note, you feel it in your chest. That physical connection to the music is what makes them so powerful.

Are Balalaika Family Instruments Still Used in Modern Music?

Yes, and not just in Russia. While the balalaika family is most closely tied to Russian folk music, modern composers and experimental musicians are using it in new ways.

You’ll find balalaikas in film scores, world music, and even pop or fusion tracks. Artists like Alexei Arkhipovskiy have brought the prima balalaika to global stages, showing it’s more than a folk relic, it’s a living instrument.

In modern orchestras and conservatories, students now study the full balalaika family alongside classical instruments. Some jazz musicians have started using balalaikas for their unique tone. Even indie bands experiment with its plucky sound for texture.

That said, the most authentic balalaika performances still happen in folk orchestras, where all sizes work together. These groups preserve the old traditions while finding new ways to connect with younger audiences.

How Does Each Balalaika Instrument Get Played?

Technique varies across the balalaika family depending on size. Smaller balalaikas like the piccolo and prima are strummed or plucked with fingers. The motion is fast and rhythmic, often creating a tremolo effect. This gives the melody a bouncing quality.

Larger ones, like the alto, bass, and contrabass require a plectrum. Players hold the instrument in their laps or stand them up using endpins. Because the strings are thicker and the soundboard is bigger, these instruments respond better to firm, deliberate strumming.

Some musicians use classical-style fingerpicking on the prima for softer passages. Others switch between techniques to add dynamics to the music.

Here’s a breakdown:

Learning to play each type takes time and practice, but many musicians say the feel of the instrument becomes natural quickly.

Final Thoughts

The balalaika family isn’t just a group of instruments, it’s a tradition. From the nimble piccolo to the thundering contrabass, each type has its own place and voice.

Now that you know what each one does, you can listen to a folk ensemble with a sharper ear. You might even feel inspired to try playing one yourself. 

Whether for performance, study, or pure curiosity, exploring these instruments helps you understand the heart of Russian folk music.

Why not find a balalaika performance online and watch how the family works together? You’ll see just how much beauty can come from three strings and a triangle of wood.

Before exploring the whole family, it helps to know what a balalaika is and how it sounds at its core.

Frequently Asked Questions on Balalaika Family

Yesterday (The Beatles) is played by Balalaika Orchestra