Ocarina Sizes Explained: Soprano vs Alto vs Tenor vs Bass (Sound Comparison Guide)

by STL Ocarina

One of the most exciting things about the ocarina is the variety of instruments available. If you’re new to the ocarina world, you might be wondering why there are so many different sizes—and what the differences actually mean for how the instrument sounds and feels to play.

In this guide, we’ll break down the four main sizes of ocarinas:

  • Soprano

  • Alto

  • Tenor

  • Bass

You’ll learn how size affects pitch, tone, and playability, and which type of ocarina is best for beginners.

How Ocarina Size Affects Pitch

In general, smaller ocarinas produce higher pitches, while larger ocarinas produce lower pitches. This is similar to other wind instruments: compact instruments sound brighter and higher, while larger instruments produce deeper, fuller tones.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the ocarina family:

  • Soprano Ocarina – Highest pitch

  • Alto Ocarina – Slightly lower than soprano

  • Tenor Ocarina – Mid-range (most common size)

  • Bass Ocarina – Lowest pitch

Each size has its own character and musical role.

Soprano Ocarina (Highest Pitch)

The soprano ocarina is the smallest and highest-pitched member of the ocarina family.

What to expect:

  • Bright, piercing tone

  • Very portable

  • Great for melodies that need to cut through

Things to consider:
Soprano ocarinas can sound quite high and sharp to the ear. While they’re fun and expressive, some players find them less comfortable for long practice sessions due to their brightness.

Alto Ocarina (Warm, Slightly Lower Tone)

The alto ocarina sits between the soprano and tenor in pitch. It has a warmer, slightly lower sound than the soprano but still retains clarity and brightness.

What to expect:

  • Balanced tone

  • More comfortable for some players than soprano

  • Great for lyrical melodies

Altos are less common than tenors but can be a great choice if you like a higher register without the extreme brightness of soprano.

Tenor Ocarina (Most Popular & Beginner-Friendly)

The tenor ocarina is the most commonly used size and the standard choice for beginners.

Why tenors are so popular:

  • Comfortable hand spacing

  • Balanced, pleasant tone

  • Works well for most song tutorials

  • Large library of learning materials available

If you’re buying your first ocarina, a tenor in the key of C is usually the best place to start. It’s versatile, easy to learn on, and widely supported by tutorials and sheet music.

Bass Ocarina (Lowest Pitch)

The bass ocarina produces the deepest, richest tones in the ocarina family. It has a beautiful, resonant sound that works well for slower, expressive music.

Things to know:

  • Heavier than other ocarinas

  • Larger finger spacing

  • Requires more breath control

  • Often used with a neck strap for support

Because of its size and weight, the bass ocarina is generally not recommended for beginners. It’s better suited for players who already feel comfortable with ocarina technique and want to explore lower registers.

Which Ocarina Size Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick recommendation guide:

Best for Beginners:
✔️ Tenor ocarina (Key of C)

For Bright, High Melodies:
✔️ Soprano ocarina

For Warm, Upper Register Playing:
✔️ Alto ocarina

For Deep, Rich Sounds:
✔️ Bass ocarina (best for experienced players)

Final Thoughts

Each ocarina size brings something unique to your musical palette. While it’s fun to explore soprano, alto, and bass ocarinas, most players will find that the tenor ocarina offers the best balance of comfort, range, and versatility—especially when you’re just getting started.

Once you’re comfortable, experimenting with different sizes can be a great way to expand your sound and explore new musical textures.

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