How to play Prelude of Light on a real ocarina

Updated 2026-10-27

Prelude of Light is 6 notes in Ocarina of Time: high D, A, high D, A, B, high D. You can play it on a 12-hole alto C or 6-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 Prelude of Light?

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

What is the tricky spot in Prelude of Light?

Swinging between high D and A, twice. The fingers go down and up together, and the high D needs more air each time. On a 12-hole, from high D to A you cover the left middle, left index and left thumb.

How do you hold and breathe for Prelude of Light?

Start with a firm high D, keep the air up through the swings, and finish on a strong high D.

Which ocarina plays Prelude of Light?

Any 12-hole alto C or 6-hole pendant in C plays it; a 4-hole ocarina does not reach every note. 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 Prelude of Light in Ocarina of Time?

Sheik teaches the Prelude of Light at the Temple of Time after the Forest Temple. It warps Link back to the Temple of Time.

More Ocarina of Time songs

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