Balalaikas

Balalaika - russian folk stringed musical instrument from 600-700 mm (balalaika prima) and up to 1.7 meters (balalaika-contrabass) long, with a triangular wooden body. 

Before converting to a balalaika concert instrument in the XIX century, balalaika did not have a permanent tuning. Each performer tuned the instrument according to his manner. There is also a "national" system - the first string "A", the second - "E", the third - "C." If this tuning easier triads are taken, it is a drawback of the game is hindered by the open strings.  In today's orchestra of Russian folk instruments used five varieties balalaika: prima, second, alto, bass and contrabass. Of these only take a solo virtuoso instrument, and the others are fixed purely orchestral functions: second alto and implement chord accompaniment, and bass and bass - bass function.