The sound of the dombra's open strings forms its quart system. It can also be a fifth. The sequence of tones for dombra, starting from the first string, the highest in tone: Sol, Re.
Vein strings were traditionally used on the dombra. Such strings give a low sound and, accordingly, a low mood, characteristic of folk music.
The sound of the dombra is quiet and soft. It is extracted by pinching, hitting with a brush or a pick.