As you might have heard, the balalaika is an instrument that is played fairly rapidly, which is in part due to its short sustain, unlike some other string instruments like guitars that resonate a bit longer when plucked. The balalaika’s triangular body, typically made from spruce or fir, contributes to the instrument's unique resonance. The bottom two strings are usually tuned to the same note, with the third being tuned a perfect fourth higher, but the tuning depends on the size of the balalaika. Balalaikas have been created in a wide range of sizes, including piccolo, prima, secunda, alto, bass, and contrabass, from smallest to largest. The strings are played either by strumming, for smaller versions, or with a plectra, a pick, for larger versions, and this results in a crisp and bright quality sound. Below, you can see the variation in sizes of balalaikas.