Also called "Kontra" or "Beglait"

Used primarily to establish rhythm in any tamburitza group. Aids in giving depth and fullness since all of the strings on the instrument are played at once as cords like a guitar. Tuned like a guitar except that the first string is tuned to the pitch of D instead of E. Often can completely control the tempo of a tamburitza group. Usually plays "off the beat" or "after beat" in the rhythm structure. Sometimes used as a percussion instrument, adding special effects to the orchestration, assisting greatly with a composition's dynamics, and often bridging the gap between the bass and the rest of the orchestra.