Hora Alto Balalaika - 3 String

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Information for alternative Balalaika’s and Tuning.

Prima Balalaika: tuning E4 E4 A4
The most common balalaika is the prima, which is tuned to EEA (The 2nd and 3rd string are tuned to the same note). Sometimes the balalaika is tuned "guitar style" to GBD (mimicking the three highest strings of the Russian guitar), making it a little bit easier to play for Russian guitarists, although balalaika purists frown on this tuning.

Secunda Balalaika: tuning A3 A3 D4 
The Secunda Balalaika is tuned to AAD: (1st string: D in first octave) - (2nd string: A in minor octave) - (3rd string A in minor octave) The 2nd and 3rd string are tuned to the same note.

Alto Balalaika: tuning E3 E3 A4
The Alto Balalaika is tuned to EEA: (1st string: A in minor octave) - (2nd string: E in minor octave) - (3rd string: E in minor octave) The 2nd and the 3rd string are tuned to the same pitch.

Tenor Balalaika: tuning E3 A3 E4 

Bass Balalaika: tuning: E2 A2 E4 and Contrabass Balalaika: E1 A1 D2
The Bass and Contrabass Balalaika are tuned in the same fashion, just the Contrabass is bigger. They are tuned to EAD: (1st string: D in minor octave) - (2nd string: A in major octave) - (3rd string: E in major octave)

Tuning 6 String Balalaika's
There are some six string balalaikas, which are basically tuned the same fashion that 3 stringed balalaikas are tuned. The difference with 6 string balalaikas is that they have two strings for each one on a regular. For example a 3 stringed prima balalaika is tuned to E-E-A. A 6 stringed prima balalaika would be tune to EE-EE-AA. They are set up in pairs tuned to the same note to produce a harmonizing effect similar to the mandolin.