Musical instruments in The Legend of Zelda are an iconic part of the series and play a pivotal role in the story. They set the tone for each title and are often used for specific game mechanics. Out of every type of instrument used, Woodwind is the most common category. The Ocarina, specifically, has frequently appeared throughout the series in various forms. Nintendo tends to select specific musical instruments that create a pleasant melody. However, there are a few options out there that would be the worst instruments Link could get in a Legend of Zelda game.
The Ocarina is just one occurrence of Woodwinds being featured in the series. The first musical instrument Link can use is the Recorder in the original Legend of Zelda. This would allow players to warp to dungeons and reveal secret areas. In Wind Waker, Link doesn't have a traditional instrument. Instead, he conducts the wind with the Wind Waker, which is similar to a baton of a real-world Conductor. Over the years, Nintendo has also tried some more experimental instruments. In Twilight Princess, Link transforms into a wolf for a portion of the game. By interacting with a Grass Whistle or Howling Stone, he will howl to different interpretations of classic songs in the series.
Link's Awakening is one of the most interesting games in the franchise. Characters from Super Mario and Kirby can be found, which helps to create a truly unique experience. Unlike previous games, players acquire eight different musical instruments from each dungeon. These are the Full Moon Cello, Conch Horn, Sea Lily's Bell, Surf Harp, Wind Marimba, Coral Triangle, Organ of Evening Calm, and the Thunder Drum. Link's Awakening changed the Legend of Zelda formula with the inclusion of eight musical instruments.
The Legend of Zelda's Worst Musical Items Link Could Get Next
So far, each musical instrument in the series has fit into the world of the Legend of Zelda. However, there are a few notable instruments that should not be implemented in future installments. For example, Link should never be given a Kazoo. While similar to the Recorder, the Kazoo can be rather annoying to many listeners. Another bad choice for a future Zelda game would be the Banjo. While this musical instrument may not be the worst option, it does not fit in the game's universe. The idea of Link walking around and taking out a Banjo to play the Song Of Healing or Zelda's Lullaby is rather humorous. The worst instrument Link could use has to be the Slide Whistle. While there have been plenty of Flutes in the series, the Slide Whistle is hard to take seriously.
The Legend of Zelda has created amazing music out of a wide variety of different musical instruments. The team behind the sound design is phenomenal and can certainly work in a Kazoo, Banjo, or Slide Whistle, into the games somehow. However, seeing Link carrying around these instruments would be comical in a Legend of Zelda game.