How the balalaika makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the balalaika belongs to the lutes: strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck – the family of the guitar, violin, sitar and oud.
More broadly it is one of the chordophones (string instruments), where sound comes from vibrating strings, amplified by a resonating body.
Its timbre – the colour that lets you tell it apart from other instruments playing the same note – comes from the mix of overtones its body and resonator emphasise.
From Wikipedia
The balalaika is a Russian stringed musical instrument with a characteristic triangular wooden, hollow body, fretted neck, and three strings. Two strings are usually tuned to the same note and the third string is a perfect fourth higher. The higher-pitched balalaikas are used to play melodies and chords. The instrument generally has a short sustain, necessitating rapid strumming or plucking when it is used to play melodies. Balalaikas are often used for Russian folk music and dancing.
Other lutes
More instruments from Russia
Frequently asked questions
What does a balalaika sound like?
As one of the lutes, its sound comes from the way strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck.
What type of instrument is the balalaika?
It is classified as lutes (Hornbostel–Sachs 321.321).
Where does the balalaika come from?
The balalaika originates from Russia.
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q178389 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Balalaika – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Miloš Jurišić – CC BY-SA 3.0