How to Play the Kazoo

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 2, 2022 References Approved

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.^{[1]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting a Kazoo

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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.^{[2]
  X
  Research source} 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.^{[3]
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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.^{[4]
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- 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
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.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Learning to Play

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Hold the kazoo horizontally. Unlike a larger instrument such as a clarinet, you can use one hand to hold your kazoo.
- The mouthpiece of the kazoo is the wider, flattened end.
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Hum into the kazoo. To make sounds with your kazoo, you’ll need to hum, rather than blow^{[5]
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- 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
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.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Improving Your Skills

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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]
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- 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
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.^{[8]
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  Research source} Write them down in a notebook. Your goals could be experimenting with humming techniques or practicing specific songs.
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.

Community Q&A

Question

Are there specific differences between plastic, metal and wood kazoos? Do they have different sounds or tones?

Community Answer

Yes. Metal kazoos have the lowest sound whilst the plastic ones have the highest. Wood is somewhere in between.
Question

How do I make higher notes louder?

Community Answer

Push more air through it. You'll run out of breath faster, but it works.
Question

Will a kazoo still make noise if there is only air blown through it?

Community Answer

No. It will not play any noise if air is blown through. It works on vibrations and pitch levels, not air.