Balalaika tuner – Secunda (AAD)
A-A-D · Alternative
Press “Start tuner” – the browser will ask for microphone access. Sound is analysed on this device and never uploaded.
This free online tuner listens through your microphone and shows how close each string of your Balalaika is to Secunda (AAD) tuning (A-A-D). Play a string, watch the needle, and turn the peg until the meter glows green. If you prefer tuning by ear, tap any string card to hear its reference tone.
About Secunda (AAD) tuning
Compared with Prima Standard (EEA), Secunda (AAD) moves 3 strings. Every change is downward, the largest by 7 semitones, so the instrument sits at lower tension than in Prima Standard (EEA).
| String | Prima Standard (EEA) | Secunda (AAD) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E4 | A3 | down 7 semitones |
| 2 | E4 | A3 | down 7 semitones |
| 3 | A4 | D4 | down 7 semitones |
Played open, the strings sound A-A-D – from A3 at the bottom to D4 at the top, a span of 5 semitones.
Strummed open, the strings spell D5 – root and fifth with no third, so the tuning stays neutral between major and minor. See D5 shapes in this tuning →
The secunda is tuned AAD, a fourth below the prima, and keeps the same unison-plus-fourth layout. In a balalaika orchestra it plays the harmonic middle, between the melody of the primas and the bass instruments.
Because the layout is identical, a prima player can move to the secunda without learning new fingerings – the music simply sounds a fourth lower.
History
Where the Secunda (AAD) tuning comes from
A-A-D, the secunda balalaika tuning, was created in Andreyev's orchestra in the late 19th century. The secunda plays chords in the orchestra, and its tuning is a fifth below the prima's.
Other Balalaika tunings
Standard
Chords for this tuning
How do I tune my Balalaika to Secunda (AAD)?
Allow microphone access, pluck a string, and the tuner will detect it automatically. The needle shows whether the string is flat or sharp – adjust until the reading is within ±5 cents (A-A-D).
Which notes are used in Secunda (AAD) tuning?
Secunda (AAD) tuning for Balalaika uses the notes A-A-D, listed from the lowest string to the highest.
Can I tune without a microphone?
Yes. Every string card plays a reference tone – tap it and match your string to the sound by ear.