Balalaika tuning
Balalaika Prima (E E A) Tuning
Two strings in unison and the top string a fourth above — the standard 'academic' tuning.
String pitches & frequencies
| String | Note | Frequency | MIDI | Interval to next | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | E4 | 329.63 Hz | 64 | unison | |
| 2 | E4 | 329.63 Hz | 64 | perfect fourth | |
| 1 | A4 | 440.00 Hz | 69 | — |
Prima balalaika strings, physical order. Frequencies at A4 = 440 Hz, equal temperament.
Fretboard note map
| String | Open | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A | A♯ | B | C | C♯ | D | D♯ | E | F | F♯ | G | G♯ | A |
| 2 | E | F | F♯ | G | G♯ | A | A♯ | B | C | C♯ | D | D♯ | E |
| 3 | E | F | F♯ | G | G♯ | A | A♯ | B | C | C♯ | D | D♯ | E |
How to tune to Prima (E E A)
- Open the chromatic tuner (or play each reference tone above).
- Start from the lowest string and tune each one to E4, E4, A4.
- Tune up to each pitch: if you overshoot, drop below and come back up so the string settles.
- Check every string once more — changing the tension of one string slightly pulls the others.
Frequently asked questions
What are the notes of Prima (E E A) tuning?
E4 (329.63 Hz), E4 (329.63 Hz), A4 (440.00 Hz).
How do I tune a balalaika to Prima (E E A)?
Tune each string to the pitches above with a chromatic tuner, starting from the lowest string; then re-check, because changing one string's tension slightly detunes the others.