How to Tune?
How to Tune a Balalaika – Step-by-Step for Beginners
11 lut 2025
The balalaika is a unique and beloved Russian string instrument known for its triangular shape and bright, percussive sound. Tuning your balalaika properly is essential to get that rich and distinctive tone. An easy way to tune your balalaika is by using the Perfect Tuner app, which automatically detects the sound of your strings and helps you adjust them with precision.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to tune a prima balalaika in standard tuning (E4, E4, A4) and provide information on tuning other balalaika types, such as piccolo, secunda, alto, bass, and contrabass.
What You Need to Tune Your Balalaika
Your balalaika (prima, piccolo, secunda, alto, bass, or contrabass).
(Note: This guide focuses on the prima balalaika, the most commonly used type. If you have another type of balalaika, the steps remain the same, but the tunings differ slightly.)
A smartphone or tablet with the Perfect Tuner app installed.
Standard Tuning for Prima Balalaika (E4, E4, A4)
In standard tuning for a prima balalaika, the three strings are tuned as follows:
3rd string (thickest) – E4
2nd string – E4
1st string (thinnest) – A4
(Note: The two E4 strings are tuned to the same pitch and played as a pair.)
Additional Info:
In the premium version of Perfect Tuner, you can access tuning modes for other balalaika types, such as secunda, alto, bass, and contrabass. Additionally, there is a 'Custom' option that allows you to create your own tuning setup.
Step 1: Understand the Parts of Your Balalaika
Tuning Pegs: The small knobs located on the headstock of your balalaika. These are used to tighten or loosen the strings.
o Tightening the Peg (clockwise) raises the pitch (the sound gets higher).
o Loosening the Peg (counterclockwise) lowers the pitch (the sound gets lower).
Strings: Balalaikas typically have three strings, with the two lower-pitched strings (E4) tuned to the same note.
Step 2: Open the Perfect Tuner App
Download and open the Perfect Tuner app on your smartphone or tablet.
The app will automatically enable your microphone to detect the sound of your balalaika strings.
If prompted, grant the app permission to use your microphone.
The Tuner screen will automatically appear, showing the string layout and pitch meter.
Check that the app is in "Auto" mode (the toggle switch in the upper right corner is green).
Select "Balalaika" in the instrument settings to ensure the app detects the correct pitch.
If the app opens in a different mode, tap the Tuner icon at the bottom left of the screen to return to the main tuning interface.
Step 3: Start Tuning Your Balalaika
1. Tune the 3rd String (E4)
Pluck the 3rd string (E4) (the thickest string) with your finger or pick.
Watch the app’s display:
o If the app shows that the note is too low (flat), turn the tuning peg clockwise to tighten the string slightly.
o If the app shows that the note is too high (sharp), turn the tuning peg counterclockwise to loosen the string.
Always finish tuning by tightening the tuning peg (raising the pitch) rather than loosening it, as this helps the string stay in tune longer.
Adjust until the app shows that the note is perfectly in tune (usually indicated by a green "Great!" label or a centered marker).
2. Tune the 2nd String (E4)
Pluck the 2nd string (E4) and watch the app’s display.
Follow the same steps as for the 3rd string until the app indicates that the string is perfectly tuned.
3. Tune the 1st String (A4)
Finally, pluck the 1st string (A4) (the thinnest string) and adjust it until the app shows the correct note.
Step 4: Check the Overall Tuning
Once you have tuned all three strings:
Play a few open notes or chords and listen to how they sound.
If anything sounds slightly off, re-check each string using Perfect Tuner.
Additional Tuning Information for Other Types of Balalaikas
Piccolo Balalaika: Tuned to E4, E4, A4 (same as prima, but smaller and tuned an octave higher).
Secunda Balalaika: Tuned to A3, A3, D4.
Alto Balalaika: Tuned to D3, D3, G3.
Bass Balalaika: Tuned to E1, E1, A1.
Contrabass Balalaika: Tuned to E1, E1, A1 (similar to bass but larger in size).
Additional Tips for Accurate Tuning
Pluck lightly: Don’t strike the strings too hard when tuning, as this can cause inaccurate readings.
Tune slowly: Make small adjustments to the tuning pegs to avoid overtightening and snapping the strings.
Re-check each string: After tuning all the strings, some may have slipped slightly out of tune. Re-check each string once more.
Why Use Perfect Tuner for Balalaika Tuning?
Accurate Detection: The app provides precise feedback for individual and paired strings.
Beginner-Friendly: The interface is simple and intuitive.
Multiple Balalaika Types: The app allows you to choose between different balalaika types (prima, secunda, alto, etc.) for accurate tuning.
Free to Use: No additional equipment is required – just your phone and your balalaika.
Final Words
Tuning your balalaika with Perfect Tuner ensures that your instrument will sound bright and clear. Once you get comfortable with the tuning process, you can also try tuning by ear to improve your musical ear.
Enjoy your perfectly tuned balalaika, and happy strumming! 🎶