How to play Nocturne of Shadow on a real ocarina

Updated 2026-10-27

Nocturne of Shadow is 7 notes in Ocarina of Time: B, A, A, D, B, A, F. You can play it on a 12-hole alto C, 6-hole pendant in C or 4-hole pendant in C: the pictures below show which holes to cover for each note, with the game button underneath.

What are the notes for Nocturne of Shadow?

The notes are B, A, A, D, B, A, F. In the game the Nintendo 64 buttons are C-left, C-right, C-right, A, C-left, C-right, C-down. Choose your ocarina above the pictures.

  1. BC-left
  2. AC-right
  3. AC-right
  4. DA
  5. BC-left
  6. AC-right
  7. FC-down

What is the tricky spot in Nocturne of Shadow?

The jump back up from D to B. Most fingers lift at once, the biggest change in the phrase. On a 12-hole, from D to B you lift the left ring, left middle, right index, right middle and right ring.

How do you hold and breathe for Nocturne of Shadow?

Keep the air low and even, and play the repeated A with your tongue, not by lifting a finger.

Which ocarina plays Nocturne of Shadow?

Any 12-hole alto C, 6-hole pendant in C or 4-hole pendant in C plays it. On an ocarina in G or F, use the same fingerings and it sounds lower. See the 12-hole fingering chart for every note, and check yours with a chromatic tuner (our own ocarina tuner is on its way). Not sure which ocarina to get? Read our buying guide.

Where do you learn Nocturne of Shadow in Ocarina of Time?

Link learns the Nocturne of Shadow from Sheik in Kakariko Village after the Water Temple. It warps Link to the graveyard.

More Ocarina of Time songs

More: all the Ocarina of Time songs and more songs to play.

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