The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is beloved not only for its groundbreaking gameplay and immersive world but also for its iconic and memorable soundtrack. For many players, the ocarina itself is more than just an in-game item; it’s a symbol of the adventure and the beautiful melodies that accompany it. Have you ever wanted to recreate those enchanting tunes yourself? Whether you’re playing on the original Nintendo 64 or the 3DS remake, learning to play Ocarina Of Time Songs is a rewarding experience.
This guide will provide you with a simple and easy-to-follow breakdown of how to play popular songs from Ocarina of Time using the in-game ocarina controls. We’ll explain the button notations and then dive into a list of songs, ranging from simple melodies to more complex compositions, allowing you to become a virtual ocarina virtuoso.
Understanding Ocarina Button Notation
Before we jump into the song list, it’s crucial to understand how the button combinations are represented. This notation system is designed to be straightforward and easy to use once you grasp the basics. Here’s a breakdown:
- A: The A button on your Nintendo 64 or 3DS controller.
- Cu: C-Up button (or Up on the C-stick on 3DS).
- Cd: C-Down button (or Down on the C-stick on 3DS).
- Cl: C-Left button (or Left on the C-stick on 3DS).
- Cr: C-Right button (or Right on the C-stick on 3DS).
- Z, R: Press and hold the Z or R trigger buttons while pressing another button (A or C buttons). This modifies the note played.
- U, D: Push the analog stick Up (U) or Down (D) while pressing another button (A or C buttons). This also modifies the note.
Combinations are written by linking these notations together. For example:
- U-R-Cu: Means press and hold the analog stick Up, press and hold the R button, and then press the C-Up button simultaneously.
Numbers preceding a notation indicate repetition:
- 2-Cr: Means press the C-Right button twice.
Now that you understand the notation, let’s explore a selection of ocarina of time songs you can learn to play!
Ocarina of Time Song List: From Beginner to Advanced
We’ve organized these songs by difficulty to help you progress smoothly, starting with easier tunes and moving towards more challenging pieces.
Easy Songs to Learn
These songs are a great starting point for beginners due to their simpler melodies and fewer complex button combinations.
- Simpsons Theme: Cd, Cr, Cl, Cu, D-Cu, D-Cl, Cd, A, 3-Z-D-A, D-A
- This recognizable tune is surprisingly simple to play and a fun way to start.
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Star: 2-D-A, 2-D-Cr, 2-cr, D-Cr, 2-Cd, 2-Z-Cd, 2-A, D-A 2-D-Cr, 2-Cd, 2-Z-Cd, A, 2-D-Cr, 2-Cd, 2-Z-Cd, A 2-D-A, 2-D-Cr, 2-cr, D-Cr, 2-Cd, 2-Z-Cd, 2-A, D-A
- A classic children’s song that translates well to the ocarina.
- Jurassic Park Theme: Cu, Z-Cu, Cu, Cr, D-Cr, Cu, Z-Cu, Cu, Cr, D-Cr, Cu, 2-Z-Cu, Cu, Cr, A, D-Cu
- Bring the adventure of Jurassic Park to your Ocarina of Time gameplay!
- Titanic Theme (My Heart Will Go On): 4-Cd, Z-Cd, 2-Cd, Z-Cd, Cd, U-Cd, Cr, U-Cd, 4-Cd, Z-Cd, 2-Cd, D-A
- A dramatic and widely known theme that’s relatively easy to play on the ocarina.
Medium Difficulty Songs
Once you’ve mastered the easy songs, these offer a slight increase in complexity, introducing more varied button combinations and rhythms.
- Men in Black Theme: A, Cd, A, 3-Cr, D-Cr, Cr, R-Cr, Cr, Cd, U-Cd, Cr
- Get groovy with this iconic theme song.
- Frosty the Snowman: A, Z-D-A, D-A, A, U-Cd, R-Cd, U-Cd, Cr, U-Cd, R-Cd, Z-Cd, A
- A festive and cheerful tune, perfect for any time of year.
- In My Room (Beach Boys): 2-D-A, A, D-A, 2-U-A, Cd, U-A, 2-U-Cd, Cr, Cd, 2-U-Cd, U-A, A, Cd, A, D-A
- A mellow and nostalgic Beach Boys classic.
- Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) – Green Day: 2-A, Z-D-A, A, U-A, R-Cd, U-A, A, Z-D-A, A, Z-D-A, A, U-A, R-Cd, 2-A, Z-D-A, 2-A, Z-Cd, A, 2-Z-A, A
- A popular and recognizable song from Green Day, suitable for the ocarina.
- Closing Time (Semisonic): Cu, Cl, D-Cl, Cl, 2-D-Cl, 2-D-Cr, 2-Z-Cd, D-Cr, Cl, R-Cl, Cl, Cr, Cl, D-Cr
- A 90s anthem that can be recreated on the ocarina.
Challenging Songs
These songs require more practice and coordination due to faster tempos, longer sequences, and more complex combinations.
- Overworld Theme from Zelda: Cd, D-A, 2-Cd, U-Cd, Cr, 3-D-Cu, Cu, U-Cu, 3-R-U-Cu, U-Cu, Cu, U-Cu, Cu, 2-R-Cl, Z-Cl, R-Cl, Cu, R-Cl, Z-Cl, D-Cl, Z-Cl, R-Cl, Z-Cl, D-Cl, D-Cr, Cr, Cl, Cu, D-Cu, then D-A many many times
- The iconic Zelda overworld theme! This one is longer and more intricate but incredibly rewarding to play.
- Star Wars Theme (Main Theme): 3-D-A, Cd, R-Cl, Z-Cl, Cr, D-Cr, U-R-Cu, R-Cl, Z-Cl, Cr, D-Cr, U-R-Cu, R-Cl, Z-Cl, Cr, Z-Cl, D-Cr, 2-Cd, D-Cr
- Bring the force to your ocarina with the epic Star Wars theme.
- Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme): 3-U-Cd, R-A, R-Cr, D-Cr, R-A, R-Cr, D-Cr, 3-Cu, R-Cu, R-Cr, R-Cd, R-A, R-Cr, D-Cr
- Embrace the dark side with the menacing Imperial March.
- Axel F (Theme from Beverly Hills Cop): A, Cd, 2-A, U-Cd, A, D-A, A, Cr, 2-A, Z-Cl, Cr, Cd, A, Cr, Cu, A, 2-D-A, Cr, Z-Cd, A
- Get funky with this 80s classic theme.
- Star Trek Theme: Cd, Z-Cl, R-Cu, Cu, Z-Cl, D-Cr, R-Cl, U-R-Cu
- Explore strange new worlds with the Star Trek theme.
Advanced Ocarina Songs
These are among the most challenging songs on the list, requiring precision, timing, and practice to master.
- Mary Had a Little Lamb: Cl, Cr, D-Cr, Cr, 3-Cl, 3-Cr, Cl, 2-Cu
- Don’t let the simple title fool you; this one can be tricky to get right on the ocarina.
- Kakariko Village Theme: A, U-Cd, A, Cl, U-Cd, Cu, A, U-Cd, A, Cl, U-Cd, 2-Cu, U-Cu, R-Cd, U-Cu, Cu, 3-Cl, Cr, 3-U-Cd, R-Cd, Cr, U-Cd, A, D-A, D-Z-A, D-A, A, D-Z-A, 2-U-Cd, R-Cd, Cr, U-Cd, A, Cu, D-Cu, Cl, Cr, D-Cr
- Another beautiful Zelda theme, this one from Kakariko Village, presents a significant challenge.
- One Week (Barenaked Ladies): (Version 1) A, Cd, 2-Cd, U-Cd, Cd, U-Cd, 2-Cd, 6-Cr, 3-Cd, U-Cd, Cd
- The fast-paced lyrics of “One Week” translate to a rapid-fire ocarina challenge.
- Willow: 6-Rcl, 4-Cr, D-Cr, 2-Cd
- A shorter but still challenging piece.
- Hoops: 4-R-Cl, 2-Cr, 2-R-Cr, 2-Cr, D-Cr, 2-Cd
- Another short and rhythmically demanding song.
- Mission Impossible Theme: 2-R-A, R-Cd, Z-Cr, 2-D-Cd, Z-A, AR-A, R-Cd, Cl, A, Cd, R-Cr, Z-A, Z-Cd, Cr, Z-Cr, D-Cr
- The iconic Mission Impossible theme is fast, dynamic, and a true test of your ocarina skills.
Tips for Mastering Ocarina Songs
Learning to play ocarina of time songs takes practice and patience. Here are a few tips to help you on your musical journey:
- Start Slow: Don’t rush! Begin by playing songs at a slower pace to get comfortable with the button combinations. Gradually increase speed as you improve.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice, even in short bursts, is more effective than infrequent long sessions.
- Listen to the Original Songs: Familiarize yourself with the melodies of the songs you want to learn. This will help you internalize the rhythm and timing.
- Break Down Complex Sections: If you’re struggling with a particular part of a song, isolate that section and practice it repeatedly until you can play it smoothly.
- Use a Metronome (Optional): For more rhythmically challenging songs, using an in-game metronome (if available in Ocarina of Time 3D) or an external one can help you maintain a steady tempo.
- Don’t Give Up! Learning any instrument takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories, and keep practicing.
Conclusion
Learning to play ocarina of time songs is a fun and rewarding way to connect with the music of this classic game on a deeper level. With practice and dedication, you’ll be able to impress your friends (and yourself!) with your ocarina skills. So, pick your favorite tune, grab your virtual ocarina, and start playing! Which song will you learn first?
