Kazoos are an amusing, yet underrated, musical instrument. With the help of a kazoo, you can easily produce a buzzing or humming sound. The kazoo is a unique musical instrument and although it’s a relatively simple instrument, with a few basic tips, anyone can learn to play it.
Gather Your Supplies
To get started, you’ll need a kazoo. If you don’t have one yet, the best first step is to check out our Kazoo buying guide to find the right kazoo for you. Our kazoos come with the reed inside for the buzzing sound, but if you already have a kazoo from elsewhere, you might need to buy a separate reed if it’s not making noise.
How to Hum
Humming into the kazoo is the key to creating a buzzing sound. To do this, you’ll need to take a deep breath, then hum into the kazoo while you’re exhaling. The sound should come out as a buzz. If you want to take your kazoo-humming skills to the next level, try out different pitches to create a scale of notes. To do this, you’ll need to hum at different pitches or tones. The easiest way to try this is to start with the lowest pitch you can produce, and then increase the pitch until you reach the highest pitch.
You can also experiment with sounds other than humming. For example, you can hum into the kazoo while singing a song to create a more complex sound. Try to hum different syllables or words as you sing along. You can use your kazoo to create a rhythmic beat. To do this, hum into the kazoo while tapping your foot and changing the pitch with each tap or you can hum into your kazoo with a steady rhythm while clapping your hands.
Playing Techniques
Once you’ve mastered humming, you can experiment with techniques like playing melodies by humming different notes, adding vibrato by varying pitch, or even humming and singing simultaneously with practice. The key is to relax and have fun—anyone can play the kazoo regardless of age or experience, and no prior skills are needed. With practice, you can play melodies and accompany songs, join kazoo bands, or try covers of your favorite tunes.
How to Play the Kazoo
The mahogany wooden kazoo is a compact, beginner-friendly instrument with a replaceable membrane, known for its playful buzzing sound across genres like folk, jazz, blues, rock, and pop.
To play, place the mouthpiece in your mouth and hum, directing vibrations through your lips—not just inside your mouth—to activate the membrane. Experiment with tones and volume by changing lip tightness and mouth shape, try different syllables, add vibrato by varying pitch, and enhance rhythm by tapping or clapping. No prior experience is needed, and online tutorials or lessons can help improve your skills.
Benefits of Playing the Kazoo
Playing the kazoo offers numerous benefits beyond pure enjoyment. Here are a few advantages of playing the kazoo: Improves breath control and lung capacity Enhances oral motor skills and coordination Develops a sense of rhythm and timing Boosts creativity and musical expression Provides stress relief and relaxation.
Maintenance and Care for Kazoos
The correct maintenance ensures your kazoo’s longevity and performance. After each use, wipe it clean to remove moisture, avoid extreme temperatures or sunlight that can warp it, and store it in a protective case. Check and replace the diaphragm if worn, as a damaged diaphragm or debris inside can cause muffled or no sound. To fix a faulty kazoo, remove the cap and diaphragm, replace or temporarily patch the diaphragm with plastic or baking paper, then secure the cap tightly.
Clean the exterior gently with mild soap and water but avoid soaking or abrasive cleaners. Regularly inspect for loose parts, store in a dry place, and experiment with humming techniques to keep your kazoo in top shape and sounding great. Some kazoos have replaceable membranes while others have permanent ones; if yours is replaceable, check its condition and replace it as needed.
5 Easy Cover Songs to Play on Kazoo
The kazoo is a fun, easy-to-learn instrument that adds a playful buzz to familiar tunes. Here are five simple cover songs perfect for kazoo beginners: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star with its simple melody; Happy Birthday, a crowd-pleaser for celebrations; Row, Row, Row Your Boat, ideal for rounds and repetitive fun; London Bridge Is Falling Down, catchy and rhythmic; and Old MacDonald Had a Farm, where you can mimic animal sounds with the kazoo for an interactive twist.
Joining the Kazoo Community
Playing the kazoo is a fun, social activity with a welcoming global community. Joining kazoo bands, festivals, or events helps you connect, share your passion, and explore entertaining covers online.
Kazoo groups offer chances to perform, collaborate, and improve your skills while enjoying its playful sound. It’s a great beginner instrument for kids, aiding motor skills, cognition, and self-expression. Kazoos can be a whimsical, memorable addition to any band or solo performance. Whether playing solo, in a group, or introducing music to children, the kazoo is versatile and joyful—just choose your kazoo wisely and practice with a playful spirit.
The BEST Kazoo Music Books (Guide)
Kazoo-Boo Songs by Mary Donnelly and George Strid offers ten kazoo songs with piano accompaniment and activities for practice, ideal for classrooms or individuals; A Weapon of Mass Instruction by Barbara Stewart provides a humorous, step-by-step kazoo guide with historical insights; Kazoo That Tune Game by Ridley’s Games includes 100 tune cards for a fun guessing game to boost musical and kazoo skills; and Kazoo-Boo Classroom Magic by Cristi Cary Miller offers songs, activities, and lesson plans to engage students with the kazoo in educational settings.
