Balalaika

The balalaika is a stringed instrument of Russian origin, with a characteristic triangular body and 3 strings (or sometimes 6, in pairs). There are several sizes of balalaika; the most common solo instrument is the prima balalaika, which is tuned EEA (the two lower strings are tuned to the same pitch); an important part of balalaika technique is the use of the left hand thumb to fret notes on the bottom string. The balalaika is usually strummed or plucked with the right hand index finger, but occasionally a plectrum is used, particularly for the larger sizes.