SAEDNEWS: The Balalaika is one of Russia’s traditional instruments. Its structure consists of a long neck, a wooden body, and three strings—whose materials and tuning we will discuss later. In this article, Saed News offers a complete introduction to the Balalaika.
The balalaika is a European-Asian string instrument with a long neck, several strings, and a playing technique that involves plucking with the index finger. Historical records first mention the instrument in Moscow in 1668. Balalaikas come in various body shapes, including triangular and oval, with different numbers of strings and movable frets. Historically, it was primarily used to perform dance music.
The popularity of traditional balalaikas grew in the late 18th century, so much so that foreign travelers reported seeing a balalaika in almost every household. While authors such as Leo Tolstoy, Nikolai Gogol, and Fyodor Dostoevsky frequently referenced the instrument, its use in the 19th century was relatively limited despite its wider availability. Likely derived from Tatar instruments, it was also played, to a lesser extent, by Ukrainians, Romani (Gypsy) musicians, Belarusians, and other minority groups.
The modern balalaika emerged in the 1880s through the work of Vasily Andreyev (1861–1918), who standardized its design. Andreyev’s version is triangular, chromatic, and has three strings with fixed metal frets, along with several other innovations. He also developed the idea of a balalaika orchestra, including instruments of different sizes, and reconstructed the long-forgotten domra—a favored instrument of the traveling skomorokhi performers.
Today, the balalaika is a hybrid instrument that incorporates elements of folk, pop, and classical music. It is primarily taught in music schools and conservatories and is widely used in orchestras, traditional ensembles, and by musicians across Russia and the Caucasus. Its repertoire includes piano and chamber pieces, numerous symphonic concertos, and occasional appearances in opera. Throughout much of its history, the balalaika has symbolized traditional Russian culture.
The balalaika belongs to the lute family. Inspired by the domra, a three-stringed lute with a round body and long neck, it appeared in Russia and Central Asia in the 18th century. It comes in six sizes, from piccolo to double bass, with a flat back and a triangular or conical body tapering toward the fretted neck. The three strings, usually gut, are attached to the tailpiece and stretched over a bridge similar to that of a violin. They are generally plucked with the fingers, while metal strings are played with a leather plectrum.
Although predominantly used in folk music, the balalaika became part of large orchestras in the 20th century. The standard size is called prima or treble and is typically tuned E-E-A in the octave above middle C.
The exact origins of the balalaika, like many traditional instruments, remain uncertain. It likely evolved from the Caucasian domra and shows close similarities to the Mongolian topshur and Kazakh dombra. Historical evidence suggests that the instrument was influenced by older Russian instruments and existed in six sizes from piccolo to double bass.
Despite being a traditional Russian instrument, it closely resembles several East Asian stringed instruments such as the dombra and tanbura. In the 1500s, Russian jesters and minstrels played the balalaika to accompany satirical songs mocking rulers and the Orthodox Church. The earliest surviving document mentioning the instrument is a 1688 arrest warrant, reflecting the Church’s attempt to suppress folk music. However, the balalaika’s popularity endured, especially among the middle and lower classes. By the late 1800s, almost every Russian household had a balalaika, similar to the history of the banjo in the United States.
The modern balalaika is largely the result of Vasily Andreyev’s efforts. By 1880, the instrument had become standardized with a triangular body, chromatic tuning, three strings, and metal frets. Andreyev also revived forgotten Russian instruments like the domra and promoted the idea of a balalaika orchestra. Today, the balalaika is a beloved instrument across Russia and the Caucasus and is taught professionally in music schools. It is used in folk ensembles, traditional music performances, chamber pieces, and symphonic orchestras.
Types of Balalaika
The balalaika has a triangular body and typically three strings (sometimes six, in three pairs). It can be plucked with the fingers or played with a plectrum. Sizes range from smallest to largest:
Piccolo
Prima
Secunda
Alto
Bass
The most common type is the prima balalaika.
The balalaika is a traditional Russian string instrument with a wooden body, long neck, and three strings. Played using a plucking technique with the index finger, it was first documented in 1668 in Moscow. Contrary to popular belief, not all balalaikas are triangular; some have oval or circular bodies. Today, it is a versatile instrument bridging folk, pop, and classical music traditions, with a rich history and enduring cultural significance.
