Ocarina sheet music: Zelda’s Lullaby (easy level)

Quickly learn the melody that left its mark on The Legend of Zelda. This guide is for beginners with a 12-hole ocarina in C.

You’ll find a step-by-step explanation of the fingerings, hole placement and breathing. The goal is simple: play the complete lullaby with a soft, steady sound.

We also clarify the difference between Zelda’s theme and the lullaby. This distinction helps you choose the right music from the start.

The tutorial recalls the piece’s origins: Koji Kondo, Ocarina of Time, released on November 21, 1998. It mentions popular versions and community-published tabs to help you compare them and improve.

Expected result: a smooth performance, clean transitions and enough confidence to play even the final section, which some videos omit.

Table of Contents

Background, instrument and pointers for getting started

Before playing the first note, let’s establish a few practical points about the instrument and the melody.

Lullaby and theme: the lullaby is the short melody Link plays, while the theme refers to a longer, recognizable piece from the series. Don’t confuse them when choosing your sheet music.

Recommended instrument: choose a 12-hole ocarina in C. It makes the piece easier to play, provides the necessary range and produces a soft tone suited to the lullaby.

The piece was composed by Koji Kondo for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, released on November 21, 1998. This background helps you understand its musical intent and phrasing.

Listed difficulty: very easy or unrated, an ideal level for beginners.
Check published sheet music and tabs to confirm the fingerings and note pitches.
Listen to reference versions: Melycat, Tgev and Rinku offer useful examples.

Keep two essentials in mind: cover the holes properly and maintain a steady breath. These simple habits will give you a clean sound from the first few bars.

Element	Advice	Examples and references
Instrument	12-hole ocarina in C	Zelda ocarina, ocarina Zelda
Origin	Know the composer and release date	Koji Kondo — November 21, 1998
Level	Start with confidence	Very easy, unrated
Resources	Compare several performances	Melycat: Zelda’s theme; Tgev: theme; Rinku: theme

Step-by-step tutorial: Zelda’s Lullaby ocarina sheet music (easy level)

Start by holding the instrument steady and identifying the holes used for the melody’s basic notes. A relaxed grip, loose elbows and fingers close to the holes help prevent air leaks.

Essential fingerings: practice in short sections. Use a clear tab and note which hole you cover for each change. Repeat slowly, then gradually increase the tempo.

Rhythm and cues: play with a metronome. Mark the simple rhythmic cues and lengthen the final phrases slightly to give them shape without speeding up.

Avoid blowing too hard: reduce the air pressure.
Keep your fingers close to the holes to avoid slipping.
Breathe before starting the next phrase to keep the melody flowing.

Tip: the final section, often cut from videos, uses the same fingerings. Practice it slowly, then gradually add it to the rest.

Keep reading Ocarina tuning and intonation: how to practice effectively

To find more tabs and reference versions, browse the available sheet music.

Resources, versions and the ocarina fan community

The online community offers dozens of categorized and reviewed versions to help you choose.

Where to look: browse Sheet Music > Video Games > The Legend of Zelda to find tabs published by Melycat, Tgev, Rinku and others.

Before you rate a tab, create an account and sign in: the platform requires you to be logged in to give a rating or leave a comment.

How to read feedback

Look at the number of likes (for example, 5 for a version by Ocarinale and 24 for a version by Melycat).
Read the comments: they often discuss the tab’s strengths, fingerings and breathing problems.
Follow discussion threads: you’ll find answers from ocarina fans, new observations about the tabs and useful corrections.

Criterion	What it indicates	Example
Popularity	Number of likes and comments	24 likes (Melycat)
Quality	Tab ratings and annotations	Ratings visible on the published tab
Version	Comparison between performers	Rinku (clear), Tgev (complete), Melycat (accessible)

“Compare several versions to find the phrasing that suits you.”

Tip: try at least three published tabs and read the comments before settling on a version. The ratings and annotations will help you improve quickly.

Conclusion

To finish, practice slowly, then link the phrases together. Compare several tabs and listen to a few versions to find the phrasing that suits you.

Keep the sheet music handy and pay attention to your breath and how well you cover the holes. Practice the final section, which is often cut from videos: at a relaxed tempo, it flows naturally from the rest.

Note the useful points on each published tab, give it a rating and read the comments. Talking with other ocarina fans can speed up your progress.

With a 12-hole ocarina in C, a little practice and well-chosen tabs, Zelda’s theme becomes accessible and enjoyable to play.

FAQ

What is the difference between the lullaby and Zelda’s main theme?

The melody known as the “lullaby” is a softer, slower variation of the main theme composed by Koji Kondo. The main theme is often more recognizable and used in adventure scenes, while the lullaby favors simple phrases suited to beginners.

Which instrument is best for this piece?

A 12-hole ocarina in C works very well. It lets you reach the necessary notes easily and has a straightforward hole layout for basic fingerings, making it ideal for beginners and very simple versions such as those by Melycat or Tgev.

Where can I find published tabs and new versions?

Look for published tabs on specialist websites, fan forums and dedicated video channels. Popular versions by Melycat, Tgev and Rinku are often shared in comments or as downloadable files.

Who composed this theme, and where does it come from?

Koji Kondo composed the theme for the game Ocarina of Time, released on November 21, 1998. It is an iconic work from the Nintendo franchise that the community frequently rearranges.

What mistakes should beginners avoid while learning?

Common mistakes include poor finger placement, uneven breathing and losing the rhythm. Correct them by practicing breathing exercises, slowing down the melody and checking each fingering before you play.

How do I read and rate a published tab for this piece?

Read the tab by identifying the indicated holes, rhythmic cues and variations. Note repeated sections and read the comments to learn about adjustments recommended by other players.

Are there videos that show the rarely heard but playable final section?

Yes. Some videos and tutorials show complete performances, including passages rarely heard in the game. Search for “complete” or “full” versions and check ocarina fan channels to find these performances.

Which popular versions should I try first?

Start with simple arrangements by Melycat or Tgev, then explore Rinku’s versions for slightly more elaborate variations. These versions are well documented and suited to beginners who want to improve.

What warm-up routine should I use before playing?

Do a short series of breathing exercises, play a few slow scales and repeat the essential fingerings. This steadies your breath and improves rhythmic accuracy for a smooth performance.

How can I use feedback and ratings in the comments?

Read the comments carefully to find tips, positive points and corrections. Note recurring suggestions and try them in your own performance to improve your pitch accuracy and phrasing.