How to play Song of Time on a real ocarina

Updated 2026-10-27

Song of Time is 6 notes in Ocarina of Time: A, D, F, A, D, 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 Song of Time?

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

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

What is the tricky spot in Song of Time?

The drop from A down to D. Several fingers go down at once, and the D is the lowest note in the phrase, so it needs the least air. On a 12-hole, from A to D you cover the left ring, right index, right middle and right ring.

How do you hold and breathe for Song of Time?

Breathe gently for the D, the lowest note in the phrase, and keep the air steady to the end of each note: stop it with your tongue rather than letting the breath fade, or the pitch sags.

Which ocarina plays Song of Time?

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 Song of Time in Ocarina of Time?

Princess Zelda throws Link the Ocarina of Time and teaches him the Song of Time. It opens the Door of Time and moves the Song of Time blocks.

More Ocarina of Time songs

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

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