Learn The Ocarina 1: How to Play the Ocarina: A Beginner’s Guide

Learning a new instrument can feel intimidating—but the ocarina is one of the most welcoming instruments you can start with. Whether you’ve never touched an instrument before or you already play music at an advanced level, the ocarina offers a simple, joyful entry into music-making.

This article marks the beginning of a new monthly YouTube series dedicated entirely to the ocarina: how to play it, how it works, and how different ocarinas compare. Each month, a new video will explore techniques, songs, and instruments—starting right here, at the very beginning.

This series is made possible in partnership with STL Ocarina, and it’s designed to help players of all backgrounds discover just how fun and expressive this instrument can be.

Who This Ocarina Guide Is For

This guide is intentionally beginner-friendly, but it’s not only for beginners.

• If you’ve never played an instrument, you’ll learn from the ground up

• If you already play another instrument, you’ll learn how ocarina technique differs

• If you’re a Zelda fan, this series will feel especially familiar

• If you’re curious about different types of ocarinas, future articles will explore them in depth

No prior music knowledge is required—just curiosity.

The Ocarinas Used in This Lesson

For this introduction, two beginner-friendly instruments are used:

• A 6-hole plastic ocarina

• A 12-hole plastic ocarina

Both are lightweight, durable, affordable, and ideal for learning proper technique without worrying about damaging a more delicate instrument. These are excellent starting points for anyone new to ocarina playing.

A Quick Tip Before You Start: Use a Neck Strap

Many ocarinas come with a neck strap, and while it might seem optional, it’s highly recommended for beginners.

Some fingerings can feel awkward at first, and losing your grip—even briefly—can result in dropping the instrument. A neck strap provides peace of mind while you’re learning and helps you relax your hands instead of gripping too tightly.

How to Make Your First Sound on the Ocarina

To produce a sound on the ocarina, imagine gently saying “whoo” into the mouthpiece. The airflow should be relaxed and steady, not forced.

As you become more comfortable, you can introduce articulation (also called tonguing) by lightly starting notes with a “tu” sound. This gives notes a clearer, more defined beginning. Both approaches are valid—use whichever feels most natural at first.

Proper Finger Coverage Matters

One of the most common beginner mistakes is not fully covering the holes.

Even a tiny air leak can cause notes to sound off or unstable. Make sure each hole is completely sealed by your fingers. If something sounds wrong, the first thing to check isn’t your breath—it’s your finger coverage.

Good habits here will save you frustration later.

The Two Main Types of Ocarina

There are many ocarinas in the world, but most beginners will encounter one of these two types:

• 6-hole ocarina

• 12-hole ocarina

Both are played differently, and both are covered in this guide.

How to Play a 6-Hole Ocarina

The 6-hole ocarina has:

• Four holes on the front

• Two main holes on the back (one for each thumb)

Your thumbs rest in the large back holes, while your fingers cover the front holes. With all holes covered, you’ll play the lowest note (C).

From there, notes are created by lifting fingers in a specific sequence. As fewer fingers remain on the instrument, balance becomes more important. It’s helpful to lightly rest unused fingers on the side of the ocarina for stability—as long as they aren’t covering any holes.

The top note is reached by lifting all fingers, including both thumbs. Take your time here and make sure you have a secure grip.

How to Play a 12-Hole Ocarina

The 12-hole ocarina offers a wider range and more flexibility.

• Your right hand drapes over the top

• Your left hand supports the bottom

• Both thumbs rest on the back holes

You may notice extra holes that are not covered during basic playing. These are used for sharps, flats, and extended range—but you don’t need to worry about them yet.

With all main holes covered, you’ll again start on C. Notes are produced by gradually lifting fingers, mostly one at a time. The thumbs remain down until the very top of the range, which helps maintain balance and tone.

As with the 6-hole ocarina, fewer fingers means less stability—so take it slowly and stay relaxed.

Learning the Ocarina Is a Journey (and That’s the Fun Part)

You don’t need to master everything in one sitting.

This new series will continue with monthly videos, covering:

• Beginner songs

• Technique tips

• Ocarina comparisons

• Musical concepts explained simply

If you ever feel stuck, that’s normal. Every ocarina player—beginner or professional—has been there.

Final Thoughts

The ocarina is simple, expressive, and deeply rewarding. With just a few notes, you can already start making music—and with time, it can become a powerful storytelling instrument.

If you have questions, leave them in the comments. New lessons are released every month, so be sure to subscribe and follow along.

Best of luck as you begin learning the ocarina—and welcome to the journey 🎶