How to Play Saria’s Song on the Ocarina (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

by STL Ocarina

Few melodies are as cheerful and instantly recognizable as Saria’s Song from The Legend of Zelda. Lighthearted, playful, and easy to remember, it’s one of the best beginner songs for ocarina, especially for players discovering the instrument through Zelda music.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to play Saria’s Song on the ocarina, step by step, using a clear structure that makes the melody easy to understand and practice.

This tutorial is demonstrated on the Zelda Tenor Ocarina in the key of C from STL Ocarina.

Why Saria’s Song Is Perfect for Beginners

If you’re new to the ocarina—or a longtime Zelda fan—Saria’s Song is an ideal place to start.

The melody relies heavily on just three core notes:

  • F

  • A

  • B

Because these notes repeat frequently, you can focus on:

  • Finger placement

  • Breath consistency

  • Rhythm and phrasing

Rather than struggling with complex fingerings, you’ll quickly begin to feel musical confidence.

Understanding the Structure of the Song

Saria’s Song can be divided into two main halves, with the first half introducing the melody and the second half expanding it with more movement and faster note changes.

This gradual buildup makes the piece approachable while still offering a satisfying challenge as you progress.

First Section: Establishing the Main Motif

The song opens with the familiar pattern built around F – A – B.

This three-note figure repeats twice and then appears a third time with a short continuation:

  • F – A – B – E – D

If you need a reminder:

  • E is played with everything covered except your left-hand pinky

  • D adds the right-hand thumb

After this phrase, the melody changes direction:

  • B – C – B – G – E

The section concludes with:

  • D – E – G – E

Once these phrases are comfortable, play the entire first section smoothly from beginning to end.

Second Section: Familiar Patterns with New Endings

The first half of the next section closely mirrors what you’ve already learned:

  • F – A – B

  • F – A – B

  • F

From there, the melody branches out with:

  • B – C – E – B – G

The section resolves with:

  • B – G – D – E

Because much of this section reuses earlier material, it’s a great opportunity to focus on tone and rhythm rather than memorization.

Second Half: Expanding the Melody

The second half of Saria’s Song introduces longer ascending lines:

  • D – E – F – G – A – B

This pattern repeats and is followed by:

  • C – B – E

A similar phrase returns, this time ending with:

  • C – D – E

You’ll notice how the song builds excitement by moving upward before gently settling back down.

The Most Challenging Passage

One short run stands out as the most technically demanding part of the song:

  • D – C – F – E – G – F – A – G

This requires careful finger coordination and slow practice.

It’s followed by:

  • B – A – C – B – D – C

The final challenge is a quick transition:

  • E – F – D – E

Take this slowly. Focus on clean finger lifts and steady airflow. With patience, this run will start to feel natural.

Playing the Full Song

Once each section feels comfortable, play Saria’s Song from beginning to end at a relaxed tempo. The melody should feel playful and light, never rushed.

A slower practice tempo will help you maintain accuracy and musical expression.

Final Thoughts

Saria’s Song is more than just a catchy tune—it’s a perfect introduction to musical storytelling on the ocarina.

If you’re learning the instrument or exploring Zelda music for the first time, this song builds confidence while keeping practice fun. Sheet music for this piece is available via the link in the description.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. And be sure to subscribe for more ocarina tutorials inspired by The Legend of Zelda and beyond.

Happy playing 🎶

Back to News