How to Play the Legend of Zelda Main Theme on the Ocarina

The Legend of Zelda main theme is one of the most beloved melodies in video game history. Its sense of adventure, nostalgia, and quiet heroism makes it a perfect piece to play on the ocarina.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to play the Zelda main theme on the ocarina, broken into clear, manageable sections. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this tutorial will help you understand the melody, fingerings, and structure of the song.

This lesson is demonstrated on the Nebula Ocarina in the key of C from STL Ocarina.

Why the Zelda Theme Works So Well on the Ocarina

The ocarina’s warm, vocal-like tone closely matches the emotional character of the Zelda theme. Originally inspired by folk and orchestral traditions, the melody relies on strong phrasing rather than speed, making it especially well-suited for wind instruments.

For many players, learning Zelda music is also a gateway into ocarina playing itself, connecting gaming nostalgia with real musical expression.

How This Ocarina Tutorial Is Structured

To make learning easier, the song is divided into three sections. Each section introduces new musical ideas while reinforcing what you’ve already learned.

This approach helps you:

• Build confidence gradually

• Improve finger coordination

• Develop breath control

• Avoid memorizing the entire song at once

Take your time with each section before moving on.

Section One: Establishing the Zelda Melody

The first section focuses on the core motif of the Zelda theme.

You’ll begin with repeated high D notes, which help stabilize pitch and airflow. The melody then moves between D and C, gradually expanding into longer note patterns.

Toward the end of this section, you’ll encounter a sequence of repeated A notes with a distinctive rhythm. This rhythmic idea appears again later in the song, so it’s important to learn it well.

Once comfortable, play the entire section continuously to hear how the phrases connect.

Section Two: Expanding Range and Technique

Section Two introduces a wider range and more expressive movement.

You’ll encounter low A, which requires covering all holes on the ocarina. Because this note can be challenging, many players choose to substitute a middle A while learning. This is perfectly fine and allows you to focus on musical flow first.

This section also introduces accidentals such as:

• F♯

• B♭

• G♯

Pay close attention to finger placement and smooth transitions between notes. Midway through the section, the melody becomes more lyrical, rising and falling in longer phrases.

Once learned, play the entire section without stopping to develop musical continuity.

Section Three: The Most Challenging Part of the Song

Section Three brings everything together and contains the most technically demanding passages.

Low A returns, along with faster note changes and more complex fingerings. One phrase—featuring transitions between F, E, and C♯—is the most difficult part of the entire piece. Slow, focused practice here is essential.

Later in this section, familiar rhythmic ideas from earlier parts return, giving the song a strong sense of unity and resolution.

When you can play Section Three smoothly, try playing all three sections in sequence.

Playing the Full Zelda Theme on Ocarina

Once each section feels comfortable, the final step is playing the entire Legend of Zelda main theme on the ocarina from beginning to end.

A play-along version with melody and harmony is available and is best used after mastering the tutorial at a slower tempo.

Final Thoughts for Ocarina Players

Learning the Zelda theme on the ocarina is more than mastering a famous tune—it’s an opportunity to develop tone control, phrasing, and musical storytelling.

Practice patiently, revisit challenging sections often, and enjoy the process. If you have questions about fingerings, breath control, or technique, feel free to leave a comment.

Happy playing—and welcome to the musical world of The Legend of Zelda 🎶