Double bass balalaika

A metal spire is attached to the lower corner of the body, which serves as a support - this position of the instrument creates an additional resonating effect and the sound becomes longer, more voluminous and more flight.

The sound of open strings balalaika double bass forms its quart system . The sequence of tones, starting with the first string, the highest in tone: Re ( large octave ); La , Mi (kontroktava) . Domra double bass has a similar system.

Intervals between adjacent strings: D {part 4} A ₁ {part 4} E ₁ ( Helmholtz letter notation , part 4 - pure quart).

The musical range of the balalaika double bass with 17 frets on the fretboard is two full octaves and eight half tones (part of the controctave, large octave, small octave and part of the first): from Mi controctave to the first octave.

Notes on a stave are written an octave higher than the actual sound for readability.

The shape and dimensions of the double bass balalaika are such that it is more convenient to play it while standing, although in the orchestra the performer usually plays while sitting.

The sound is extracted using a leather pick , approximately 60 × 60 mm in size, which enhances it and makes it deeper. Sometimes pizzicato is used to achieve light, soft and flight sound, in this case, pinching the strings is done with the thumb, index or middle finger.

Playing the double bass balalaika is not easy. For the thick strings of this musical instrument to truly sound, you need to make a lot of physical effort. With your left hand you need to strongly press the string to the bar, and with your right hand, using the mediator, gently, but deeply and strongly, hit the string.