5 Tips for Playing Double and Triple Ocarinas - OcTalk

In today's #OcTalk tutorial, we discuss my top 5 tips for playing multi-chamber ocarinas. Check back every Tuesday for new episodes of OcTalk! ⬇LINKS⬇
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[@EllieMcEla]

Hey, I'm hoping you make a video on playing polyphonically on the Double/Triple ocarinas! It seems like such an awesome concept.

[@edgewoodclarinet]

I also really hope that he does this, I love the sound of polyphonic notes on my flute

[@MrJesus666]

In the process of ordering a Takashi Double AC ocarina. I've heard nothing but great reviews for his ocarinas and he's being very helpful through email.

[@jaxius2511]

JessBooty How's the quality of the ocarina? I'm considering ordering one too!

[@johtojonny]

Omg thank you for this. Just got the double ocarina of time from songbird and needed these tips!

[@cw1964]

I never thought to use the wrists! That makes practicing my double so much easier. Thank you so much!

[@nathanosborne7451]

Just started playing a 12 hole and bought a Bravura sky blue ocarina from Songbird and it sounds great. Thanks for inspiring me to start playing!! :)

[@PersianMonkeyStudios]

Great video!! I just got a double chamber and was wondering how to play it well! Now I do!

[@Sillysurfer48]

Midna's desperate hour is one of the reasons I wanted a double ocarina and I'm having a difficult time with the second chamber switch thank you for your advice I will definition be changing my ocarina ways!

[@clockworkSlick]

these tips are really helpful. thanks

[@JonD3435]

My first ocarina was a double ocarina, identical to the one you used in your Ballad Of The Windfish video. It really inspired me to get one. That caused problems as I was starting with a more advanced ocarina. But I have stayed strong and now I can play pretty well. I am currently learning Always with me from Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro Theme!

[@lucasanderson1437]

Counterattack from Shadow of the Colossus is a fun song to play on double or triple chamber ocarina. Going from single chamber to double a few years ago was one of the best things that ever happened to me!!!! Thanks David for your videos. You execute great musical quality

[@Ceol-Cluaise]

Yes!! To both Counterattack being fun to play, and making the switch from single to double chambered. "05 Resurrection" has a Majora's Mask kind of vibe when played on an ocarina.

[@Magic-nx2fb]

I'm saving up for a multi-chamber ocarina right now but for me doing lots of research about the instrument before hand helps a lot. When I get it though, (probably somewhere around December) I want to learn your Animedley! I'm learning as much as I can on my single chamber right now and I've learned most of it. I also really want to learn Budrio, I love that song! You did amazing on it!

[@sparklefulpaladin]

Thank you SO much for these tips! Especially the part about knowing how hard you have to blow from chamber to chamber... it's something I'd figured out on my single-chamber ocarina, but the triple one I have has been much more of a challenge. Hopefully keeping these things in mind, I'll be able to practice better =)

[@sparklefulpaladin]

After a bit of practicing (and watching myself in the mirror while doing so), I realized that I do move my head to chamber switch, so that will be something to work on. I also realized that Fur Elise is a great song to practice chamber switching, as it has a lot of quick changes between D-sharp and E.

[@Devdadou]

Thank's for the tips David! I'm trying to learn "I was made for lovin you" from Kiss quite difficult just by ear...

[@MrSupersidewinder]

I play a variety of instruments but my favorite.... An STL triple plastic ocarina! Why you might ask??? Always in tune, durable, easy to clean, washable, shareable, portable.

[@spencer6SIXX]

Hey David, glad these videos are back. A question I have for you is how do you record an ocarina, like in your Stone Tower Temple cover? Such as mic choice and mic placement.

[@georgetourloukis7194]

Great video!!!I'm thinking of getting a triple ocarina myself which in your opinion is the best tuned and with the best sound?

[@RoxyRocksTV]

I want one to play the opening of Attack on Titan 😱 great video !

[@DavidErickRamos]

+RoxyRocksTV Oh yeah, you definitely need at least a double ocarina to play that in the original key! :D

[@yousra1181]

@@DavidErickRamos Can you still play the opening with a regular ocarina?

[@RikardKarlssonYoutube]

This is so awesome!! Thank you for showing us this! I'm actually saving up for a Double Ocarina and these tips will really help me out a lot! ^^ My goal is to learn the full 'Lost Woods' song on it! Also what camera are you using David? :)

[@DavidErickRamos]

+Brent Cone Awesome Brent! I actually wouldn't recommend my camera, haha. It's a handheld camcorder by Kodak but the touchscreen is broken and I desperately need to replace it!

[@BluBirdVA]

+David Eric Ramos I bought my STL Double Ocarina of Time not too long ago and one of my song I've learned on it is your Animedly!!! Hope you do another medley!

[@BluBirdVA]

First songs*

[@jordanscott8878]

thanks alot

[@CreeperGoesBoom443]

i just recently learned route 113 from omega ruby and alpha saphhire on my focalink dolce double alto c

[@pyro1324]

I'm learning to play the Fairy Tail op, it's really fun when you get the hang of it :)

[@tylerayalasuzara]

Current song I'm focussing on is West of the Wide Missouri. It's a song played in the line for Big Thunder Mountain at Disneyland haha.

[@shadowdragon6498]

I like to hike and camp but I want to start playing so got any recommended ocarina that I could take that are strong enough......also pretty easy on beginners.

[@DiddyTrini]

Learning Master the tempest is raging as well as Amazing grace with change key into higher octave. Coconut oil helps me a lot with transitions when switching between chambers. Will that affect the finish over time on the double sweet potato like the one in the video?

[@tauviasiemens3800]

I'm working on Let It Go and, thought I use only one or two notes on it, I am also working on playing the violin portion of Windwaker's Theme. I have learned Medley's portion but Makar's us giving me grief. It is so much faster. I would also learn faster if I had proper sheet music instead of just fingering notations. Anyway, looking forward to the next video.

[@TheUmbranGeek]

I'm hoping to learn how to play the Bolero of Fire. Oh and your videos are very helpful, just to let you know

[@ezrabaker3953]

Thanks. I will send this to a friend who is just starting doubles. Also what camera do you use?

[@beatsbybaya3995]

thanks david! I'm actually not sure which double I should buy :/ the zelda double oot or the focalink one? also i would love to learn fairy tail main theme and happy's theme! i hope you can help me choose! quality is my priority

[@Naryoril]

seems i formed all these habits by myself, good, so i don't have to relearn ;) The first song i learned on the double was Terra's/Tina's theme from Final Fantasy VI. It's perfect for this purpose, since it's easy to play but requires quite a few chambers switches. And it's a really beautiful melody. And then there is Hikaru Nara, the opening of the first season of Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso. I had to transpose it though, since it goes up to an A. Fortunately that transposition (so it goes up to the C) turned it into C major, which made my life much easier ;) And i intend to learn Yakusoku from Idolm@ster on the double alto G when it arrives. It fits into the range of a 12 hole C ocarina, but it uses the low B flat a lot, which sounds weak on a alto C, so i want to give it a try on the double G.

[@Agonymous]

Hey David, do you know what the difference between the Stein AC Esemble Double Ocarina and the Regular, except it is more expensive?

[@user-nm4md7lw4m]

oh,it's so helpful video to me! l buy my first double ocarina, it looks like hard to me.. but l effort to play double ocarina! thank you@_@☆

[@Ceol-Cluaise]

I am attempting to learn music from all of the following on single and double chambered Alto C ocarinas: Shadow of the Colossus, The Last Guardian, ICO, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, Laputa Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke, The Wind Rises, Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, Skyward Sword, Twilight Princess, Prince of Egypt, Ghost in the Shell, Lord of the Rings, you name it.

[@DavidErickRamos]

Those are all excellent choices 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@maddiefelpel]

I hope to learn Sobakasu from Ruroni Kenshin since I was asked to try it. I haven't seen that show, but the opening seems like a fun song to try and learn. I don't even know if I need my double for it. (It's usually more in tune than my 12 hole so I'll be using it anyway XD)

[@Origami11O5]

Do you have any suggestions on a good place to get multi-chamber ocarina sheet music?

[@katniss2000]

Maybe something else people may find useful, I found it easier and more fun to practice switching chambers with an actual song, instead of just changing back and forth. The melody Oracion (from pokemon) is perfect for this, it is simple and requires a lot of chamber switching!

[@stephaniesuarez8135]

what do you do with the back of the ocarina? my triple ocarina has one thumb hole on the left side and 3 on the right. does it depend on the chambers?

[@secondhello7751]

Don't have a double ocarina yet, gonna get one though. since you mentioned it, what is a good tuner app?

[@ethantrujillo9605]

i am learning the clocktown theme from majora's mask on my STL double plastic zelda replica. which by the way you should review that ocarina in a future video

[@noeljacobs4816]

I have the same ocarina only difference is mine is ceramic do you also struggle to play the high d you know left hand pinky right hand thumb it sounds the same as just the pinky which is F I think I got to play that high d differently than on a twelve hole ocarina i just can’t seem to figure out a substitute fingering position for this high d or is that high day played with the second chamber perhaps? Instead of left hand pinky right hand thumb like a regular 12hole =o

[@TheCmonie69]

i found that putting chapstick on before playing a double/triple chamber helps soooo much.

[@gojyo77]

I'm having trouble getting the higher notes in the first chamber of my STL double Zelda ocarina, I found that the ocarina can't play the higher notes when its cold and even then its almost impossible for me to get the breath right for the last note. What should I do to help get that note?

[@noeljacobs4816]

When I try to play the high note D which is just left hand pinky and right hand thumb on my STL Zelda double ocarina I can’t make it sound different than just the the high E note pinky only left hand what would be the right way to play this high d note for me? Lol thanks in advance

[@peppercane622]

I would like to see a tutorial on tapions theme. thank you.

[@JohnnyYeTaecanUktena]

What about a double chamber 6 hole ocarina from songbird ocarinas?

[@kylecourtney7232]

i dont have one yet but could you do a video on a phoenix wright song

[@animeman106]

I'm thinking of buying my first double or triple ocarina, does anyone have suggestions of any good ones for a decent price?

[@demertknight]

Wanna learn how to play Canon Rock on my double chamber Focalink/Stein ocarina QAQ . . . but I'm afraid I'll need a Triple chamber ocarina for that.

[@sparky21737]

I just got a triple bass ocarina and when I switch from the first chamber to the second chamber there is this massive difference. The D on my first chamber sounds weak and low and the E from my second chamber is much higher and clearer. Would that be a breath control issue?

[@dylanjenkins6680]

I bought a Zero 16 hole multi-chamber ocarina. for the lowest C to be played I have to press down on all the tone holes plus one of the sub-holes. without pressing down on the sub-hole. the C is sharp with just all the tone holes pressed on. is this normal or does it mean it is out of tune?

[@christopherspaulding9283]

Just got my Focalink Stein Double in the mail. I noticed there are a couple of extra holes in the second chamber (a fifth hole next to the others, and a lone one on the outer edge). Do you know of those are for a specific purpose?

[@jacobrigobertoordenes-kols451]

Fairly Tail main theme, you know, you did it a while ago yourself. I got a double chambered clay Zelda ocarina from STL Ocarina.

[@Froggydoo251]

I am currently learning the forest maze theme from super Mario rpg and bad Apple from touhou

[@sophiatalksmusic3588]

Hey, could you give us some tips on chords if you don't mind next time you're willing to talk about multi chambered ocarinas?

[@SteamingTorfu]

Hey, i have a Ocarina from the same Ocarnamaker like you and i have a strange phenomena when i make the switch. The second chamber is rediculy higher then the highest tone from the Mainchamber. Is this because of the blowpressure i use?

[@knuxton]

My second chamber on the blue (not Zelda) STL double chamber ocarina is way too high. How can I fix it?

[@NicholasDeNova]

"... like you're blowing through a straw" *queue pufferfish* haha

[@condoman45]

I'm currently learning puppet clown by hatsune miku, and kokoro by kagamine rin on my double

[@drahydra]

Hmm, as far as Zelda, I'm still trying to get down Dragon Roost Island. I practice on Stone Tower Temple, since it's a slow, almost hypnotic tune, that's easy to switch with. And as for other tracks...Well, One Winged Angel is a whirlwind of chaos for ONE instrument to keep up with. >.

[@spikeharusame]

Mine is the kind of Ocarina used by Link, so its hand-positioning is more like a flute as opposed to yours which is left and right

[@sophiatalksmusic3588]

You mean a single chambered transverse? Multi chambers play somewhat similarly.

[@edgewoodclarinet]

I'm getting the STL double plastic ocarina tomorrow because it was the cheapest double ocarina with a good rating that I could find. Is there anything different about multichamber plastic ocarinas than ceramic?

[@Ceol-Cluaise]

Resonance will be different; plastic is loud but ceramic is fuller and has more earthy, complex harmonics. This is why, though plastic can be tuned correctly, you wont find them in professional recordings. Wood, clay, ceramic, and porcelain sound notably different; much like the difference between plastic and traditional cane reeds. Definitely still enjoy the plastic one; it can be taken more places than a ceramic investment-piece. The choice to get an upgrade ceramic/clay ocarina just depends on your playing needs. If you are going to upgrade, expect to invest in one at least around 100 USD--you want it to be able to grow with you for years to come. My first ocarina was the single-chamber STL Echo "tenor" in C (an alto by everyone else's standards). It was 49 USD at the time and is glazed ceramic (A4 - F6; functionally C5 - F6). My upgrade ocarina is a Focalink double-chamber alto in C, their Dulce model, which is tonally softer and more sensitive to pressure changes than their Forte model. This one is currently listed at 125 USD and is staw-fired clay (A4 - C7).

[@bregibbons8125]

Songs i've learned on Double: Full zelda's lullaby, homeward bound, inara's suite from firefly. David, been wondering what all the extra holes in my double focalink are? just for pressure? can they be used ever?

[@Naryoril]

+Breanna Gibbons You mean on the second chamber? That's for the chamber balance. As David explained in this video, a good double ocarina should require slightly more breath on the lowest note of the second chamber than on the highest note of the lower chamber. To achieve this, the "excess air" must go somewhere.

[@DavidErickRamos]

+Breanna Gibbons It depends which holes you're referring too. If you mean the tiny holes on the side and under side of the second chamber, than you won't use those. But depending on which type of Focalink ocarina you have, you may be able to use the extra hole on the top near your pinky to play an extra note using a special overblowing technique.

[@MorePie]

What double ocarina do you recommend in terms of tone? I'm already pretty experienced with a double ocarina, and I am just mainly looking for a good sounding/crafted ocarina. Also, what brand other than Songbird Ocarinas do you recommend?

[@Ceol-Cluaise]

Focalink, Spencer, Pure, and Hind (though he only has single chambered atm) are all quality makers in my experience. There are also Takashi, Aketa, Oberon, etc. in foreign markets.

[@ScottySR]

I recently got a double chamber ocarina and the second chamber seems to have two additional holes. One is on the side where you can't really cover it. Second one is on top in the same row with the other holes (to the right of the hole you cover with pinkie), but the note list that came with the ocarina doesn't seem to use it. What are these used for?

[@succetti97]

The one on the side is never covered, probably it's used to control the air flow through the chamber. The other one is used to get to the high D, but it's often out of tune

[@saisekisise419]

I'd like to give double ocarinas a try, but I have extremely small hands and I'm worried the extra holes will make it impossible to reach the first chamber with my right hand. :/

[@Alxmir23]

i even saw a quadruple ocarina on stlocarinas

[@ambiguouslyclear1576]

Has anyone found song books that have sheet music?

[@danielheggli6990]

If I want to learn how to play the Ocarina, can I start right away with the Triple one? The difference between a normal and a multi-chamber ocarina is that the multi covers more notes?

[@zebvelez5973]

Daniel Heggli I recommend you get at least a 12 hole to start with, than once you get good at that get a multi chamber, it will make things much easier, if you can play a song on a 12 hole, it's easier playing it on a 12 if you can. then a use a multi chamber if you need the extra octaves for that song. That's how I do things at least. But it's your decision.

[@Ceol-Cluaise]

I agree with zebvelez5973. Additionally: multiple chambers don't only increase the range, they also split up the original range of a std 12-hole between the first and additional chamber(s) in such a way that lends clarity and better intonation to all the notes.

[@robthekit]

I'm trying to play the theme of koume and kotaki

[@noeljacobs4816]

I’m Still struggling with the Lucia theme song

[@KentaSonekRakiri]

Definitely The Super Mario Bros. Original theme. World 1-1 baby!

[@kikiandthecats88]

Main title theme from Black Beauty (Danny Elfman)

[@GozzarGames]

I got a double chambered ocarina but I think mine is defective, whenever I play the second chamber I get no notes just an airy whistle no matter how much air pressure I use

[@Ceol-Cluaise]

Who made the ocarina? That has a lot to do with whether airy whistling can be cured on the player's end.

[@backturn1]

I have a question and I hope David or someone else can help me. I want to buy a new ocarina and I 'm thinking of buying a double or a triple chamber ocarina. My question is if I should directly buy a triple chamber ocarina or start with a double chamber and get a triple chamber later.

[@DavidErickRamos]

If you already play a 12 hole, I think you can move up to either one since the chamber layout is similar enough.

[@KentaSonekRakiri]

+backturn1 To be honest, I started with STL's Plastic Zelda Double ocarina, and while I DID learn how to play basic Ocarina with it, the squeaking and shrieking on the higher notes drove me nuts. So just make sure you don't get a plastic double. Great for first timers who might drop the Oc, not so great after you've learned how to play a few songs on it....

[@backturn1]

Kenta Raikiri Thanks. I already got a Steins double forte. Really good quality.

[@nhuha9436]

How many money for one,please!

[@IntegralKing]

can a multi chamber ocarina player chords?

[@DavidErickRamos]

It can! You get play two chambers simultaneously to play bi-chords (two tone chords). This works best with P-Style multi-chamber Ocarinas like the Songbird Harmony Triple Ocarina, but all multi-chamber ocarinas can play some bi-chords.

[@cyberocarinaman1196]

Play The Phanton of the Opera! XD

[@benhickey3189]

why are double pendant ocarinas so hard to find?

[@benhickey3189]

silly me from 3 years ago, the one I eventually bought from STL wasn't that great, the design of a pendant ocarina doesn't lend itself very well to muti-chamber due to having to fit an ocarina inside of an ocarina. I personally recommend you get antiquated with an sweet potato ocarina they are easier to play.

[@PersianMonkeyStudios]

I want to learn to play hunter x hunter and death note themes

[@aaronisaacarias62992]

I got a double ocarina but soon as I tried to play it in a duet with my piano. The ocarina was flat, well I was playing flat. It was so easy to play but it was flat.

[@DavidErickRamos]

Hey Aaron, I might be able to help you out. what brand is your ocarina?

[@aaronisaacarias62992]

@@DavidErickRamos I got an STL Zelda double ocarina of ceramic. I love the sound and it depressing to find myself playing flat. I got the double because I wanted to play any Zelda song without transposing. Because I already know a few on piano and wanted to play it in duet with myself. Also you can reach that high a note on Zeldas lullaby!

[@DavidErickRamos]

@@aaronisaacarias62992 Ah. The good news is that I believe for that ocarina, it requires a slightly stronger breath pressure. I’d recommend grabbing a tuner and seeing how much air it takes to play in tune by just increasing your breath gradually till you hit the note, and then continue that process through the range. Let me know if it works!

[@aaronisaacarias62992]

@@DavidErickRamos thank you so much David, I will try that. You are very helpful and I appreciate it. We need more helpful people like you!

[@cameoshadowness7757]

My first Ocarina will be a doubke chamber! My gwade this'll be hard!

[@contramuffin5814]

It's actually not that bad. You might have some difficulty when you first play a single chamber ocarina (especially with the E and F), but beyond that double chamber is practically the same as a single chamber, except with the addition to the side.

[@cameoshadowness7757]

+The Developer I never played an Ocarina before this. I usally play the Baritone Saxophond. I got it the 29th and am adjusting to having the holes and having my fingers so close together but I did memerize 2 scales aleeady!

[@FFXfever]

Hello, I am a self taught guitarist, and now learning ocarina. I have seen that majority of the people who learns music from the proper method will first learn the scales. May I ask why? What are the benefits to doing so?

[@DavidErickRamos]

Great question that I asked myself for years, haha. So when you play a song in a specific key, there are sharps and flats built into each scale (example: G major has 1 sharp, B minor has 2 sharps, F minor has 4 flats, Bb major has 2, etc). The benefit of practicing scales is that once you know the key you're in, you don't have to think about that anymore, it's second nature to you. It also eliminates the need for extra accidentals in sheet music thanks to key signatures at the beginning (since some notes are always sharp or flat). So, practicing scales basically cements the concepts of keys and turns it into muscle memory.

[@chickenpowers]

OMG DID U READ MY COMMENT I SPAMMED HERE AND THERE BOUT A TUTORIAL OFF DOUBLE OCARINA TIPS?*--*

[@ToxicSentinelTTV]

Unravel, Tokyo Ghoul OP

[@arron3677]

idk if I'm first r what but yeah lol :3

[@jetyang7085]

+Ailey Mutters ikr

[@beatsbybaya3995]

thanks david! I'm actually not sure which double I should buy :/ the zelda double oot or the focalink one? also i would love to learn fairy tail main theme and happy's theme! i hope you can help me choose! quality is my priority

[@Naryoril]

+Ashwin Gowrie Keep in mind there are at least 3 different types of focalink doubles: the dolce model, the forte model and the ensemble model. I have the ensemble model and to be honest, i'm not happy with it at all. I'm not sure what the problem actually is, but i'm horribly out of tune when i switch to the second chamber with it, in about 80% of the cases... So i guess i'm not covering one of the split holes properly, and by trying to prevent this issue i press so hard on the ocarina, that my finger starts to hurt. On top of it, the 2 rows of holes for the right hand are quite far apart and i don't like the completely flat surface between them, it just feels strange. This issue was so bad for me that i hardly played it. I have read a lot of good things about the forte model tough. But keep in mind, that it is a relatively loud ocarina, as the name says. In the end i bought a Takashi Double Alto C ocarina, made by Kuolong Pan (together with a single chamber alto c) since everyone who wrote about his ocarinas was amazed by them. After i received the 2 ocarinas, i immeadiately understood why. The chamber balance of the double is perfect, and the sound of both ocarinas is crisp and clear (though the highest note of the lower chamber of the double gets airy if i blow a bit too hard, which i tend to do). Kuolong Pan makes them to order, so if you order one, it will take a few weeks until it's shipped. But that also means you can make some wishes about the hole placement. Mine got a thumb hole for the second chamber instead of a split hole for the index finger. His ocarinas aren't cheap, but since you said quality is your priority, definitely take a Takashi ocarina into consideration. Google for some reviews, you can also find his website with Google.

[@beatsbybaya3995]

+Naryoril hey thanks! I was thinking on the focalink dolce one but i'm not sure. Or the zelda oot double. I will look for the one you where talking about!