How to Play Fast on Ocarina: Double Tonguing Guide
🎵 Key Takeaway
Can't play fast enough for your favorite ocarina tabs? Your tongue is the bottleneck. To master rapid solos, you must stop saying "Tu Tu Tu" and learn Double Tonguing ("Tu-Ku-Tu-Ku"). This technique doubles your speed and is essential for professional ocarina performance.
You are trying to play a fast ocarina song. Maybe it's a competitive jig or a high-tempo Legend of Zelda ocarina music battle theme.
But your tongue gets tired. You feel like you are tripping over your own breath, and the notes sound messy. If you've looked up how to play the ocarina before, you know that basic single tonguing has a speed limit.
To break the speed barrier and play like a pro, you need to use the back of your tongue. This is a core part of any 12 hole ocarina guide for advanced players.
The "Tu-Ku" Technique: How to Play Ocarina Like a Pro
Say this out loud right now: "Tu - Ku - Tu - Ku".
- Tu: The tip of the tongue hits your teeth (Front).
- Ku: The back of the tongue hits the roof of your mouth (Back).
It works like a see-saw. While the front of your tongue is recovering, the back is working. This is the secret to playing those rapid-fire ocarina musical instrument solos.
How to Practice for Speed
Step 1: The "Ku" Workout
Your "Ku" is naturally weak because we don't use it in easy songs for ocarina. Practice playing a simple scale using ONLY "Ku".
Ku... Ku... Ku... Ku...
It will sound weak at first. Spend 5 minutes a day on this until it sounds as crisp as your "Tu".
Step 2: Combine and Sync
Grab your best ocarina for beginners or professional model and play a single note: Tu-Ku-Tu-Ku. Don't rush. Speed is just a byproduct of accuracy.
Built for Professional Speed
Double tonguing is essential for advanced repertoire. When you're ready to move beyond standard 12 hole ocarina songs, you need more range. The Eidolove Pro Triple Ocarina offers 3 octaves, designed for players who want to master complex, fast-paced masterpieces.
Explore the Pro Triple Ocarina →Syncing Hands and Tongue
The hardest part of playing fast ocarina music isn't the tongue; it's synchronization. If your fingers move before your tongue speaks, the note will sound blurry.
The Drill: Use your favorite ocarina tabs and practice the fastest section at 50% speed. Listen for the "Pop"—each note should sound like a distinct pearl, not a smear.
Final Advice
Whether you are playing a zelda ocarina musical instrument or a professional clay flute, accuracy is king. Practice slow and clean, and soon you'll be tackling the most difficult songs in any 12 hole ocarina guide with ease.