Should I Start with a 6 or 12 Hole Ocarina as a Beginner?

As a lifelong gamer and passionate ocarina enthusiast who has helped thousands of beginners pick their first ocarinas through my YouTube channel, this is the question I get asked more than any other! It‘s easy to feel overwhelmed by the different types available, especially when you‘re just starting out.

In this detailed guide based on my decade of playing experience, I‘ll clearly compare 6 hole vs 12 hole ocarinas to help you decide which is best to start learning on as a total beginner.

Quick Take – My Recommendation

If you just want the short answer, I generally advise starting with an affordable 6 hole plastic ocarina in the key of C major. Here‘s why in a nutshell:

• Easier to hold comfortably due to smaller size
• Simpler fingerings to produce notes
• Clear, mellow tone perfect for beginners
• Promotes fundamentals like proper breathing
• More affordable than ceramic

Once you have the basics down and want to play more advanced chromatic/sharps/flats, you can then upgrade to a 12 hole ceramic ocarina for greater range and note options. But you need to walk before you can run!

Comparing Hole Options

Ocarinas primarily come in two main types – 6 hole or 12 hole models. What does this mean and what‘s the difference?

Overview of 6 Hole Ocarinas

These entry-level ocarinas have just 6 finger holes plus a mouthpiece. Many beginners and younger children start here before advancing to more complex ocarinas.

Benefits:

• Compact and lightweight
• Easier to hold comfortably
• Simpler finger positions to produce clear notes
• Promotes proper breathing technique
• Fun to play popular simpler songs/melodies

Drawbacks:

• More limited note range
• Not suitable for more advanced chromatic playing
• Sound can be airy/thin on lower priced models

According to ace ocarina teacher Ming de Wong from STLocarina.com, starting with a 6-hole helps students "grasp the fundamentals before moving onto a broader range."

Overview of 12 Hole Ocarinas

As the name suggests, 12 hole ocarinas have 12 playable holes – 10 finger holes plus 2 thumb holes. This style is recommended for more advanced players.

Benefits:

• Increased note range including sharps/flats
• Enables full chromatic scale playing
• Generally produce richer, clearer sound
• More song options from wider note selection
• Preferred by intermediate/advanced players

Drawbacks:

• Typically larger and heavier
• More finger holes makes holding trickier
• Much steeper learning curve for complete beginners
• More expensive than 6 hole models

According to popular ocarina teacher David Erick Ramos, 12 hole ocarinas give musicians "greater musical expression through added range." But he cautions they can overwhelm absolute newcomers.

Hole Comparison Chart

Here is a quick-reference hole specification comparison between 6 and 12 hole ocarina models:

So while 12 hole ocarinas boast greater versatility from their expanded range, the additional holes also require more dexterity and strength to play accurately. That‘s why I suggest most beginners start simpler.

Pro Tips for Picking Your First Ocarina

Based on mentoring thousands of excited beginners (both young kids and adult gamers alike!) through my active YouTube community over the years, here is my hard-earned advice for choosing your first ocarina:

Start Inexpensive

…you‘re just testing the musical waters! Plastic ocarinas typically range from $15-35. This lets you affordably try the instrument out without a huge investment up front. You can always upgrade later once you know playing ocarina is for you.

Prioritize Clear Sound

Learning is easier when your notes sound right! On affordable plastic ocarinas, focus on the preciseness of the tuning rather than expecting a rich, velvety tone which requires higher priced ceramics.

I‘d take a $20 plastic that plays precisely in tune over a cheap ceramic that warbles. This helps build your confidence and ear. You can find solid beginner models from Songbird and Focalink.

Consider the Key

While advanced musicians can transpose songs into any key, as a beginner look for ocarinas in the easy-to-play key of C major, ideally with a songbook in this key. This dramatically simplifies learning. Take it from me – when I was 8 years old, out-of-tune sharps made me quit in frustration! Keys like Alto C or Tenor C are beginner-friendly.

Make It Comfortable

Check out various shapes and sizes when purchasing, and go for the ocarina that feels best balanced and most comfortable in your hands, not the one that looks coolest necessarily. Consider rounded edges for smaller hands. Proper hand position will make playing much more enjoyable. And no squeaking!

Acoustic Considerations Impacting Sound Quality

While plastic ocarinas favor affordability and playability over tone for beginners, what exactly makes one ocarina sound better than another? Or easier to play accurately? Let‘s explore some key acoustic considerations:

Chamber Size

The size of the main internal chamber significantly impacts sound quality. Generally, larger ocarinas allow lower notes to resonate more freely without sluggishness or airiness from undue air pressure. So while petty small piccolo ocarinas might be cute, favor larger chambers for cleaner tone across the full note range as a beginner.

Advanced players use focused air support and articulation to compensate, but stay 12cm+ when starting out.

Shape Consistency

Irregular shapes that look super unique can backfire acoustically! Strive for a symmetrical, smooth bore shape that tapers gracefully towards the mouthpiece without weird bulges or constrictions. These create turbulence and Ya know what doesn’t sound good? Turbulence. STEER CLEAR. The classic elongated teardrop excels here.

Subtle variations like a globe or diamond base are fine. Just avoid anything too wonky. Playability matters most.

Wall Thickness & Density

Basic plastic ocarinas keep costs down with thin walls. But thicker, denser materials like ceramic or wood promote better tone via greater mass to absorb unwanted overtones. So if sound quality motivates your 12+ hole purchase despite being a beginner, research composite or ceramic options. These dampen intrusive high frequencies allowing the fundamental pitch to shine. Just prepare for added fragility and expenses.

Craftsmanship Consistency

Cheaper ocarinas often suffers from subpar manufacturing consistency. Tiny air pockets or seam variations then require YOU to compensate through difficult breath control. Instead, prioritize makers adhering to tight tolerances. Brands like STL or Focalink have this dialed to produce clean tones regardless of unit-to-unit fluctuations. Remember – when consistency falters, your musical frustration builds!

Songs, Melodies & Range Comparison

While piano and guitar enjoy standardized sheet music libraries over centuries, the ocarina songbook journey has just begun! Here’s a realistic snapshot:

6 Hole Ocarinas

Best suited for simpler tunes. These have sheet music available for children’s songs, pop melodies, game and movie themes, hymns, carols, folk songs and more.

Expect to play songs strictly within a range around C4 to A6 without chromatic pitches. There is still PLENTY here to keep beginner 6 hole players engaged for months while honing breath control and articulation techniques.

I commonly teach The Zelda Theme, My Heart Will Go On, Braveheart Melody, Danny Boy or Away in a Manger to newer students with success.

12 Hole Ocarinas

The expanded range unlocks more sheet music and tab options from the classical repertoire and enables playing in different modes/scales. Intermediate players gain greater expression through added sharps, flats and accidentals.

Example range spans C4 to F6 or beyond. With a 12-hole keyed in C, easier tabs become possible for Amazing Grace, Canon in D, Sakura Sakura, Princess Zelda’s Lullaby or Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Certainly enough to continue challenging progressing players.

I’d still advise most beginners to walk before running here!

Other Models, Materials and Considerations

Beyond hole count, you also have choices like material and foot shape. Let’s quickly touch on key models and options:

Best Starter Ocarinas By Material

Plastic – Affordable and durable. Great to learn on before upgrading. Allows dropping without damage! Best sound comes from Focalink, Songbird or STL plastic. Other makers can sound airy on lower notes.

Ceramic – Increased fragility but richer sound quality from the denser material and precise making. Prices range vastly based on decorative details from $40 to $300+! Some entry models like Night by Noble lack precision fit/finish.

Wood – Gorgeous look at affordable prices but quite delicate. Offers warmer sound via density. Careful maintenance needed to prevent cracking. Look to Woodnote or Songbird.

Ocarina Types

Sweet Potato – Rounded shape fits nicely in hands but lacks the sonic focus of a tapered flute profile. Offers pleasing visuals. Common starter piece.

Pendant – Compact with a neck strap. Pitched higher as a result. Fun travel companion but not the most ergonomic for learning. Better for short simple songs. Charming though!

Transverse – Classic smooth tapered shape allows both graceful appearance AND optimized acoustics. My strong recommendation for beginners here thanks to playing comfort and focus on fundamentals.

Other Considerations

Tuning & Pitch – Pay for quality tuning accuracy! Reputable makers ensure properly keyed instruments matched to their songbooks. Listen closely or you’ll struggle unnecessarily.

Brand Reputation – With so many makers emerging, vet them thoroughly through trusted forums and teacher reviews. Newer brands sometimes cut corners or hide flaws. Stick with proven quality from Focalink, STL or Songbird.

Decorations – Intricate etchings, glazes and gemstones ratchet up pricing exponentially. Know these lavish flourishes add little acoustic value before splurging over your budget unnecessarily! Focus funds on masterful tuning for your dollar instead.

Final Thoughts – Start Smoothly!

Hopefully this detailed guide gives you great confidence selecting your first ocarina! Remember, focus on PLAYABILITY over frills. Seek clean tone, comfortable ergonomics and accurate tuning suited for an absolute beginner. That‘s the recipe to nurture a lifelong passion for playing this magical instrument, whether you‘re a gaming fan or just love making enchanting music!

To recap, opt for an affordable yet well-made 6 hole plastic ocarina in C major from a respected maker like STL or Focalink first. Then upgrade later as your skills evolve.

Have more questions? Let me know in the comments or on my active social channels! I‘m always glad to help guide fellow gamers towards memorable musical journeys.

Keep dreaming up epic quests both virtual AND musical! 🎶