How To Play The Kazoo: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Play the Kazoo PDF download Download Article Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: August 18, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Getting a Kazoo
    • |
  • Learning to Play
    • |
  • Improving Your Skills
    • |
  • Kazoo Practice Music Sheets
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 449,405 times. Learn more...

The kazoo is a fun and whimsical instrument. It is inexpensive and easy to play, but it’s not just for kids. Even bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jimi Hendrix have used the kazoo in their music.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Getting a Kazoo

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  1. Step 1 Determine your purpose. 1 Determine your purpose. Do you want to play for fun, for a class, or as a whimsical addition to your band? This will help determine the quality of kazoo that you need.
    • For the most part, the kazoo is a very inexpensive instrument. You can find plastic kazoos at dollar stores, department stores, and toy stores.
    • If you’re looking for something of a slightly higher quality or different aesthetic, consider a wooden kazoo. You also might consider a metal kazoo.[1] If you do choose metal, watch for rust, and dry it off each time you play.
    • If you’re going to be playing a lot, consider getting a few kazoos, since they are often only a couple of dollars each. This will ensure you have a back up in case one breaks.
    • An electric kazoo is another alternative for musicians and those interested in recording with the kazoo.[2]
  2. Step 2 Choose your color. 2 Choose your color. The kazoo is a whimsical instrument that comes in a rainbow array of colors to match.
    • Pick a fun color that makes you excited to pick up your kazoo and play.[3]
    • Add personalization. Consider putting a small sticker on your kazoo. This is especially great for identification if you’ll be using it in a classroom setting, where a lot of people have their kazoos with them.
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  3. Step 3 Create a designated case for your kazoo. 3 Create a designated case for your kazoo. Even though the kazoo is a relatively inexpensive instrument, you still want to take care of it.
    • If the kazoo doesn’t come with a case, use an old, hard shell eyeglass case. You can find these at thrift stores, if you don’t have one already.
    • Write your name on your case in permanent marker.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Learning to Play

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  1. Step 1 Hold the kazoo horizontally. 1 Hold the kazoo horizontally. Unlike a larger instrument such as a clarinet, you can use one hand to hold your kazoo.[4]
    • The mouthpiece of the kazoo is the wider, flattened end.
  2. Step 2 Hum... 2 Hum into the kazoo. To make sounds with your kazoo, you’ll need to hum, rather than blow because humming creates vibration.[5]
    • You should place your mouth on the kazoo as though it were a whistle.
    • To make slightly different types of sounds, try humming different syllables like “do,” “who,” “brr,” or “rrr.”
  3. Step 3 Create pitch with your humming. 3 Create pitch with your humming. The kazoo has no frills so you create all of the pitches in a song with your mouth.
    • Practice humming songs you like without the kazoo, first.
    • Then, try humming them with your kazoo’s mouthpiece against your mouth.[6]
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Improving Your Skills

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  1. Step 1 Train your ear 1 Train your ear. Because all the pitch in your kazoo playing comes from your mouth alone, you’ll want to practice hearing and recreating notes.[7]
    • Listen to songs you like, and sing along out loud. Pay attention to trying to match the pitch correctly.
    • Record yourself humming a song on a recorder device or your phone. Then, play the song and your recording at the same time. See how well you matched pitch.
    • Try playing your kazoo along to recorded songs.
  2. Step 2 Set aside time to practice each day. 2 Set aside time to practice each day. Even though the kazoo is a simple instrument, you won’t improve unless you practice.
    • Pick a specific time of day and length of time you want to practice.
    • Set some goals for each practice session. Write them down in a notebook. Your goals could be experimenting with humming techniques or practicing specific songs.
  3. Step 3 Play with friends. 3 Play with friends. Above all, the kazoo is a fun instrument, and you should enjoy playing it.
    • Play your favorite songs for your friends.
    • If you’re in a class, practice with other people from your class.
    • If some of your friends play different instruments, consider starting a band for fun.
    4. Advertisement

Kazoo Practice Music Sheets

Sample Kazoo Sheet Music The Lion Sleeps Tonight Sample Kazoo Sheet Music Take Me Out to the Ball Game Sample Kazoo Sheet Music The Entertainer

Community Q&A

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  • Question Are there specific differences between plastic, metal and wood kazoos? Do they have different sounds or tones? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. Metal kazoos have the lowest sound whilst the plastic ones have the highest. Wood is somewhere in between. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 21 Helpful 124
  • Question How do I make higher notes louder? Community Answer Community Answer Push more air through it. You'll run out of breath faster, but it works. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 29 Helpful 101
  • Question Will a kazoo still make noise if there is only air blown through it? Community Answer Community Answer No. It will not play any noise if air is blown through. It works on vibrations and pitch levels, not air. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 24 Helpful 78
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Video

Tips

  • Do not worry if your plastic kazoo gets wet. In a few days, it will become normal. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0
  • You can get a cool “wah-wah” effect by holding the fingers of one hand over the top of the kazoo and gently lifting them up as you blow into the kazoo. As you get the hang of it, put some feeling into it, and let the music swing and sway. With a little practice, you will be playing jazz and blues riffs that will amaze your friends and neighbors. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
  • When playing the kazoo, it generally helps to make a sound that is higher pitched than you normally would while humming Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • To make deeper tones, hold down the crosshatched design on top of your kazoo lightly.
  • If you're struggling, think of using your mouth like you're playing a trumpet.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Be aware of people around you when you are practicing, as it can be annoying to some people. Thanks Helpful 45 Not Helpful 18
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References

  1. ↑ https://organology.net/instrument/kazoo
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQ0jyJtP-Og
  3. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/color-psychology/
  4. ↑ https://professionalcomposers.com/how-to-play-the-kazoo-easy-guide
  5. ↑ http://vocalcoachdylan.com/how-to-hum-singing-lessons-for-beginners/
  6. ↑ https://professionalcomposers.com/how-to-play-the-kazoo-easy-guide
  7. ↑ https://professionalcomposers.com/how-to-play-the-kazoo-easy-guide

About This Article

wikiHow Staff Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 449,405 times. 253 votes - 84% Co-authors: 45 Updated: August 18, 2025 Views: 449,405 Categories: Musical Instruments Article SummaryX

To play the kazoo, hold the instrument horizontally with one hand and put your lips around the wider, flattened end. Since the kazoo requires humming instead of blowing, practice humming different syllables like “do,” “who,” “brr,” and “rrr" into the instrument. You should also experiment with different pitches and sounds to figure out what works for you. Next, practice humming songs you like without the kazoo to train your ear to recognize and match the proper pitch. Then, recreate the melody with the kazoo! For tips on creating a practice schedule, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Dec 15, 2016

    "I never knew how to play the kazoo until now! I really feel that this has helped me grow as a performer and become..." more
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Yes No Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip. icon $1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. wikiHow Staff Co-authored by: wikiHow Staff wikiHow Staff Writer Co-authors: 45 Updated: August 18, 2025 Views: 449,405 84% of readers found this article helpful. 253 votes - 84% Click a star to add your vote Anonymous

Anonymous

Dec 15, 2016

"I never knew how to play the kazoo until now! I really feel that this has helped me grow as a performer and become..." more dylan fox

dylan fox

Jun 26, 2017

"I just went onto this to read it, and I was actually following the steps for how to play while using a kazoo." Rated this article: Eldred Monsoon

Eldred Monsoon

Dec 1, 2022

"I just love this so much. I practice it every day, at least half an hour. So should you." Rated this article: Bob

Bob

May 11, 2016

"This helped me so much, I know how to play the kazoo now! I love it, it's fun." Anonymous

Anonymous

Jan 29, 2018

"Thanks for posting this. I need to do a poster on how to play a instrument." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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