Otamatone Songbook 53 Easy Songs from Different Countries - Simple Sheet Music - Just Follow the Circles! #874428

This book includes 53 popular, rhythmic, and easy-to-play folk songs and melodies from all over the world. Through music, we are brought together, and we can gain a better understanding of people from all corners of the Earth.

We recommended scanning the QR code on each page and listening to the melody and rhythm before playing. This is the most natural method to learn music. You do not need to have any musical experience or be able to read music using this book. Our circles do not show the pitch and duration of notes and rhythmic patterns. All melodies were simplified for a one-octave Otamatone.  

The Otamatone is an electronic musical device that operates on batteries. Its name blends the Japanese "otamajakushi" (which means "tadpole" or "ladle") with "tone," reflecting both its appearance and the sounds it produces. Though originally made as a toy, it has gained popularity among musicians as a playful yet expressive instrument.
How to Use

    Move the volume switch on the back to the right and adjust it to a moderate level.
    Tap the black strip on the stem with your fingers to generate sound.
    One of the Otamatone’s most entertaining aspects is its flexible, squeezable face! While holding down a note, press both sides of its head to open its mouth, altering the tone with a vocal-like "wah" effect.

Adjusting the Pitch

    Deluxe Models: Generally, these start at C and extend up to G-sharp (covering about one and a half octaves), but some variations begin at different notes, such as F to A. Refer to the manual for specifics.
    Standard Models: These span a single octave from C to C. Due to their compact size, shifting between notes requires minimal finger movement. You can adjust the octave range with the switch on the back.
    Digital Models: Unlike standard and deluxe versions, which use a smooth, touch-sensitive strip, digital models feature piano-style keys along the stem for a different playing experience.

If your Otamatone doesn’t have labeled notes, you can use masking tape along the stem and mark note positions with the help of a tuner. The free "Otama Tuner" website can assist in identifying pitches. For beginners, pre-made Otamatone note stickers (available on Amazon) can be a convenient solution.

Be aware that note placement isn’t fixed—it can shift up or down due to temperature, humidity, and battery levels. Installing fresh batteries can restore its pitch range, but the instrument cannot be permanently tuned to keep notes in the same spots. Because of this, avoid marking notes directly on the stem with permanent ink. However, digital models remain consistently in tune.
Playing Techniques
Pressing Method

Simply press the stem with your fingertips to produce a sound. This is the easiest way to play and perfect for beginners.
Sliding Method

Hold down the stem while gliding your fingers up or down to change pitch. This allows for fluid transitions that aren’t possible on fixed-pitch instruments like a piano. Maintain steady pressure while sliding for a smooth sound.
Vibrato Effect

Hold a note and rapidly shake your wrist to add a quivering effect.
 Alternatively, grip the Otamatone’s face with your thumb and middle finger while gently moving your hand, causing the whole instrument to vibrate for a similar sound.

Portamento (Gliding Notes)

Move seamlessly between notes by sliding your fingers along the stem, much like playing a slide whistle.
"Wow" Effect

For a human-like vocalization, press a note and then squeeze the Otamatone’s face to open its mouth. This produces a distinctive "wow wow" sound, giving the illusion that the instrument is singing. To achieve the best result, play the note first and then open the mouth.
"Expanding Your Sound"  

If you have an "Otamatone Neo" or "Otamatone Techno", you can connect it to external devices for even more versatility. Use a "3.5mm stereo cable" to link it to a smartphone and unlock new sounds with the "Otamatone Studio app". This app offers:  
- Sound effects  
- Instrument variations (guitar, violin, flute, synthesizer, even a cat’s meow!)  
- Different musical scales  
- Rhythm settings  
- A piano keyboard simulation for more precise playing  


List of Songs

North America
Alice the Camel
Ani Couni Chaouani
Aura Lee
Bim Bum Biddy
Buckeye Jim
Jacob's Ladder
Li'l Liza Jane
Kum-Ba-Yah
Michel Row Your Boat
Over the River
Peace Like a River

Latin America
Brinca la Tablita
Cucaracha
DoDo Petit PoPo
Tingalayo
Cumpleanos Feliz
Lost my Gold Ring
Los Pollitos Dicen

Africa
Banuwa
Che Che Koolay
Do-Do-Ki-Do
Funga Alafia
Kanzenzenze
Labe-igi-Orombo
Obwisana
Sansa Kroma
Shosholoza
Welcome Song

Europe
Five Little Ducks
Five Little Monkeys
Hush Little Baby
Old Mother Hubbard
This Old Man
See-Saw Margery Daw
Buenos Dias
Donde estan las Llaves
Au Clair de la Lune
Pirouette Cacahuete
Frere Jacques (Are You Sleeping?)
Un Petit Cochon
Vous Diraije Maman (Twinkle Little Star)
Giro-Giro-Tondo
Oh Che Bel Castello
Mein Hut (My Hat)

Asia
Kalinka
Kum Bachur Atzel
Anile, Anile
Gayatri Mantra
Maha Mrityundjaya Mantra
Zhao Peng You
Hotaru Koi

Australia & Oceania
Epo-i-Tai-Tai-e
Kangaroo, Skippy Roo