The prima balalaika is played with the fingers , the sekunda and alto either with the fingers or a pick depending on the music being played . The basses and contrabasses , which have legs that rest on the floor , are played with leather picks . The prima balalaika is played with the fingers , the sekunda and alto either with the fingers or a plectrum , depending on the music being played , and the basses and contrabasses ( equipped with extension legs which rest on the floor ) are played with leather plectrums .