Clever Geek Handbook

How to learn to play the balalaika

Balalaika is an old musical instrument, a recognizable symbol of the Russian people. Her timbre of sound is amazing and gives an amazing effect in the orchestra.

Nowadays you rarely see people playing this musical instrument. More popular is the guitar. But would you like to learn how to play the balalaika? Would you like to surprise your near and dear ones with a new skill? How can you learn to play the balalaika from scratch? Very simple, your desire and the availability of the tool will be enough.

Balalaika magnet

Balalaika components

Balalaika includes more than 70 elements. But the most basic are:

  1. Vulture. On it are frets (16–31 pcs.).
  2. Neck head.
  3. Strings (3 pcs.). The upper string is melodic, and the lower 2 are humming.
  4. Deca (triangular building).

In various production practices, these elements may be called differently.

Russian balalaikas

Types of balalaika

There are 2 varieties of balalaika:

  1. Traditional. The musical instrument is intended for amateur independent game. Metal strings are installed here , there are many settings. There are traditional balalaikas with 4, 5 or 6 strings. A feature of the instrument is the doubling of one of the strings or all of the strings at once, for a more fluid and soft sound. Learning to play the traditional balalaika is quick and easy.
  2. Academic. A musical instrument suitable for professional playing. Nylon strings are installed here, there is a fixed setting. To learn how to play the academic balalaika, it will take a long time, a music school or a music tutorial.

How to set up a balalaika

In numerous regions of the country you can find a variety of options for setting balalaika. Next, the most popular of them will be considered:

1. Balalaika system. The easiest and oldest way. Almost until the twentieth century was the most popular among the people. It is still widely known among village musicians in many regions of Russia. Set up a balalaika as follows:

  • 1 string is adjusted to a suitable height;
  • the middle one is clamped to the 5th fret and pull it up to sound in unison with the 1st;
  • the third is adjusted in the same way as the average;
  • the result is 2 strings, the same in sound, and 1 high, 5 frets higher.

How to play the balalaika this system:

  • DDG (low);
  • EEA (high).

2. Guitar system. Today it is the most common Russian folk version of tuning the balalaika. It matches the tuning of the first three strings of a seven-string Russian guitar. Main stages:

  • 1 string is also adjusted to a suitable height;
  • the middle one is clamped to 3 frets and pulled up to sound in unison with the 1st open string;
  • The 3rd is clamped to 4 frets and adjusted to the open middle;
  • as a result, the balalaika gives a harmonious major chord.

How to play the balalaika guitar system:

  • CEG (low);
  • DF # A (high).

3. Rare settings. They are not so often used. They are mainly used for a variety of musical repertoire, adding originality and novelty to it.

How to play the balalaika rare settings:

  • DEG - discord;
  • DFA / ACF - minor;
  • EG C is the reverse.
Russian players-balalaika "Kodiak"

Balalaika basics

First of all, to figure out how to play the balalaika, you need to master the correct fit and position of the hands. Before starting the game you must:

  • sit on the edge of the chair;
  • bend your legs 90 °, keep your back straight (while holding the bar with strings in your left hand, and the balalaika between the knees);
  • to press the tool body with your feet;
  • try to play relaxed.

Basic Sound Techniques

There are many tricks to playing the balalaika, but here are the most common ones:

  1. Tinkling. Beat all the strings with your index finger. On paper is indicated: ^ (upward punch), v (downward punch).
  2. Tremolo. The sound is obtained by frequent strokes with the index finger.
  3. Pizzicato. Pinch with your thumb: the balalaika’s body is grabbed with your fingers and hit any string down with your thumb.
  4. Vibrato. The right palm slightly presses the strings, at the same time, sound is extracted with the thumb using pizzicato. Vibrato can also be played with the index finger.
  5. Fraction. On the paper is written in abbreviated form "Dr" and a wavy line is drawn before the chord. Sound is obtained by successive hits from the bottom up and top to bottom.
  6. Flagollet. A circle is placed above the note on paper. The sound is obtained by lightly touching the string with a fingertip, and then instantly pulling it after hitting the string of the fingers of the other hand.
Playing the balalaika

Some tips: how to play the balalaika correctly (for beginners)

  • Exercise every day for 1.5–2 hours.
  • Correctly tune the tool.
  • Play relaxed in a comfortable position.
  • Practice various game tricks.
  • Do the exercises.
  • After each lesson, degrease the strings.
  • Keep the balalaika in a case.

Here's how easy it is to learn to play the balalaika. I wish you success!

More articles:


All Articles