how to play saria's song on ocarina

2 min read 05-02-2025

Saria's Song is one of the most iconic and beloved melodies from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Learning to play it is a rite of passage for many Ocarina of Time fans. This guide will walk you through how to play Saria's Song on a real ocarina and provide tips for success.

Understanding the Ocarina and Notation

Before we begin, it's important to understand basic ocarina notation. Most tutorials use a simplified system representing the finger holes. We'll use this system here:

Open: No holes covered.
1: Cover the first hole (closest to the mouthpiece).
2: Cover the second hole.
3: Cover the third hole.
4: Cover the fourth hole.
5: Cover the fifth hole (farthest from the mouthpiece).
6: Cover the sixth hole (if applicable, depending on your ocarina).

Remember, the sound you produce depends on the type of ocarina you're using (alto, soprano, etc.) and how strongly you blow into it. Practice makes perfect!

How to Play Saria's Song

Saria's Song is a relatively easy tune to learn, even for beginners. The notes are simple and repetitive, allowing you to focus on mastering the fingerings and breath control. Here's the step-by-step instruction:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Start with Open: Begin with all finger holes open. Blow steadily to produce the lowest note.
Cover Hole 1: Cover only the first hole (1).
Cover Holes 1 and 2: Cover the first and second holes (1,2).
Cover Hole 1: Cover only the first hole again (1).
Return to Open: Return to the open position (Open).
Cover Hole 1: Cover only the first hole (1).
Cover Holes 1 and 2: Cover the first and second holes (1,2).
Cover Hole 1: Cover only the first hole (1).
Return to Open: Release all holes (Open).

Saria's Song Notation:

Here's the song written in our simplified notation:

Open - 1 - 1,2 - 1 - Open - 1 - 1,2 - 1 - Open

Practice Tips

Breathing: Consistent and controlled breathing is essential. Practice deep, slow breaths.
Finger Placement: Ensure your fingers are covering the holes completely and evenly.
Tone: Listen closely to the sound you are producing. Adjust your breath pressure and finger placement to create a clear, even tone.
Rhythm: Maintain a steady rhythm throughout the song. Use a metronome if it helps.
Repetition: Practice the song repeatedly, focusing on one section at a time until you can play the entire piece flawlessly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No Sound: Check your embouchure (mouth position). Make sure you're blowing into the ocarina correctly.
Weak Sound: Try increasing your breath pressure slightly.
Unclear Notes: Ensure that your fingers are covering the holes completely.
Inconsistent Pitch: This often indicates problems with your breath control.

Beyond the Basics

Once you've mastered Saria's Song, you can try experimenting with different ocarinas, learning other Zelda melodies, or even trying to compose your own tunes. The possibilities are endless!

Conclusion

Learning to play Saria's Song is a rewarding experience. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you will be able to play this classic melody in no time. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of learning this beautiful piece of music from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Happy playing!