Russian 3 String Balalaika

Thebalalaikais a Russianstringedmusical instrumentwith 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 aperfect fourthhigher. The higher-pitched balalaikas are used to play melodies and chords. The instrument generally has a shortsustain, necessitating rapid strumming or plucking when it is used to play melodies. Balalaikas are often used forRussian folk musicanddancing.