The triangular shaped wooden instrument known as the balalaika has strong roots in Russian culture and has become popular in orchestras around the world. The actual era of the balalaika's origin is largely unknown, but it became popular in the 19th century as a village instrument for jesters, whose tunes often ridiculed the Russian Tsars. There are several theories about its curious triangular shape.

A popular explanation for the balalaika's three sides, as well as its three strings, is that they represent the Holy Trinity. However, this reasoning seems contradictory since musical instruments were banned during early Russian Orthodox rituals. A more believable reason for the shape is suggested by the writer and historian Nikolai Gogol in his unfinished novel Dead Souls. He writes that a balalaika was made by peasants out of a pumpkin, explaining that when you cut a pumpkin in quarters, you are left with the balalaika shape. Yet another theory suggests that once Tsar Peter I ended the ban on musical instruments, boat builders were the only Russians who knew who to work with wood, so they created the balalaika to resemble the front of a boat.

Vassily Vassilievich Andreyev is said to have developed the modern balalaika, with assistance from other Russian craftsmen. Several sizes were created, ranging from small to large, including the primo, sekunda, alto, bass, and contrabass. A strong balalaika orchestra tradition began in Tsarist Russia and continued to be supported by the Soviet Union. Folk music and instruments were considered to represent the working class and the Soviet government focused on forming skilled ensemble groups such as the Osipov State Balalaika Orchestra.

Orchestras of Russian folk instruments began appearing in many countries of Western Europe, Scandinavia, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the United States. Popular international musical groups that use the contrabass balalaika are the Russian-American rock band the Red Elvises, the Australian band Vulgargrad, and the all-girl Norwegian pop group Katzenjammer.

Just like a violin is known to be the instrument that "sings", the balalaika is known as the instrument that "chatters" since its name most likely came from the old Slavonic word balakat, meaning "to chat". It can be used in festive songs, as well as melancholy tunes, and the balalaika will always represent Russia's history and character. Audiences around the world will continue to be enthralled by its beautiful, unique melodies for many years to come.