What is the meaning of balalaika?

Definition of balalaika : a usually 3-stringed instrument of Russian origin with a triangular body played by plucking or strumming.

What is balalaika known for?

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.

What is the balalaika instrument?

balalaika, Russian stringed musical instrument of the lute family. It was developed in the 18th century from the dombra, or domra, a round-bodied long-necked three-stringed lute played in Russia and Central Asia.

Why is the balalaika important?

Developed from unstandardized folk lutes by the nobleman Andreyev by the late 19th century into a whole family of instruments with standard tunings, the balalaika has become one of the most important plucked stringed instruments in Eastern Europe, and the quintessential lute in Russia and the Ukraine.

Do you strum a balalaika?

You also can strum the strings with a pick made of felt or plastic: So some Balalaikas get a better sound – and some index fingers are very grateful for that. In the pictures you see the posture of your right hand. It is not changed while you strum the strings. All the movement is done only by your wrist.

How many frets does balalaika have?

The flat topside of the neck is laminated with ebony wood and serves as the instrument’s fingerboard, which has sixteen metal frets inserted into grooves cut laterally across it.

What does samovar mean in Russian?

Definition of samovar 1 : an urn with a spigot at its base used especially in Russia to boil water for tea. 2 : an urn similar to a Russian samovar with a device for heating the contents.

Is samovar a Russian word?

A samovar (Russian: самовар, IPA: [səmɐˈvar] ( listen), literally “self-brewer”) is a metal container traditionally used to heat and boil water.

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