🎵 Key Takeaway
You don't need to read standard sheet music. Ocarina music uses "Tabs" (pictures of the holes). Black dots = Cover. White dots = Open. The secret to learning fast is "Muscle Memory," which is easier with a textured instrument.
If you look at a piece of piano music, it looks like a foreign language. But ocarina music is different.
We use something called Tabs (Tablature). It is essentially a map. It shows you exactly where to put your fingers.
Today, we are going to learn the C Major Scale (Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti-Do). Once you know this, you can play 80% of the songs in the world.
How to Read a Tab
Look at an ocarina tab. You will see a drawing of an ocarina with 12 dots.
- Black Dot (⚫): Put your finger DOWN (Cover the hole).
- White Dot (⚪): Lift your finger UP (Open the hole).
That's it. No complex theory.
The "Ladder" Exercise (The C Scale)
Grab your ocarina. We are going to climb the ladder from Low C to High C.
1. Low C (Do) - The Base
Cover ALL the holes. Every single one. Even the two small ones on the back with your thumbs.
Blow gently. This is your lowest note. It should sound deep and warm.
2. Climbing Up
Now, lift your fingers one by one. But there is a specific order! We usually start lifting from the right hand pinky.
The Sequence:
Lift Right Pinky -> Right Ring -> Right Middle -> Right Index.
(Now you are at the note "G")
Lift Left Ring -> Left Middle -> Left Index -> Left Thumb.
Stop! Did you notice I skipped the Left Pinky? The Left Pinky usually stays down until the very high notes to keep the ocarina stable.
The Secret Weapon: Texture & Muscle Memory
The hardest part of learning this scale is "finding the holes" without looking.
If your ocarina is too slippery (glossy), your fingers might slide off the holes, creating air leaks. This is why for learning scales, I personally recommend our Smoked Series.
These ocarinas have a matte, natural clay texture. This texture gives your fingertips feedback. You can "feel" the hole much better than on a slippery surface, which helps you build muscle memory twice as fast.
Best for Learning Scales (High Tactile Feedback):
These two models are favorites among students because the "Smoked" finish prevents finger slippage:
If you are struggling with sliding fingers, these are the solution.
Your Homework
Do not try to play a song yet.
Spend 10 minutes today doing the "Ladder."
Up: Low C -> High C
Down: High C -> Low C
Make sure every note sounds clean. If it sounds fuzzy, wiggle your finger to make sure the hole is fully covered. Once you can do this, you are ready for the next challenge: The High Notes.
