A kazoo sounds best when you hum into it rather than blow, keep the membrane clean and dry, and replace the membrane when the buzz turns weak or rattly. Metal kazoos such as the Clarke Tin Kazoo have a screw-off cap so you can swap membranes in seconds.
How to play a kazoo properly
- Put the wide end in your mouth, just past your lips. Keep the small hole and membrane cap facing up and uncovered.
- Hum a “doo”, “too” or “vvv” sound. Blowing makes no sound; your voice drives the membrane.
- Change pitch by humming higher or lower, exactly like singing.
- Use your tongue for articulation: “tu-tu-tu” for short notes, “doo-wah” for swoops.
- Cup a hand over the bell and open it for a muted “wah” effect.
If you can hum a tune, you can play it on a kazoo. Pitch accuracy comes from your voice, so practising humming along to a tuner app improves your kazoo playing.
Beginner songs and books
Start with simple melodies you know well, such as nursery tunes, “When the Saints Go Marching In” or a TV theme. A beginner kazoo songbook adds structure and fun arrangements for groups: kazoo songbooks.
Cleaning your kazoo
- Plastic kazoos: remove the cap if possible, rinse the body in warm soapy water, rinse and air-dry. Keep the membrane out of the water.
- Metal kazoos: wipe inside and out with a damp cloth, dry fully, and never soak, to avoid rust at the seams.
- Do not share kazoos without cleaning them; for groups, give each person their own.
Replacing the membrane
- Unscrew or lift off the membrane cap (the turret on top).
- Remove the old membrane. It may be paper, plastic film or natural skin depending on the kazoo.
- Place the new membrane flat and centred, without creases.
- Refit the cap firmly. On Clarke kazoos, turning the membrane holder also adjusts the tone.
Buy membranes that match your brand: kazoo replacement membranes. In a pinch, a small circle of baking paper or very thin plastic works as a temporary fix.
Care and maintenance kits
A simple kit is all you need: spare membranes, a soft cloth and a small pouch. Store kazoos in a dry place, away from heat that can warp plastic and dry out natural membranes.
Adjustable pitch and sound attachments
A kazoo has no fixed pitch; your voice sets every note. Some metal kazoos let you rotate the membrane holder to change the buzz from bright to mellow. Bell and horn attachments, like those Kazoobie sells for its kazoos, make the sound louder and more brass-like.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No buzz | Blowing instead of humming, or membrane covered | Hum, keep fingers off the cap |
| Weak, flat buzz | Damp or stretched membrane | Dry it, or replace the membrane |
| Rattle | Loose cap or creased membrane | Refit the cap, flatten or replace membrane |
| Squeaky tone | Humming too hard | Hum softer, open your throat |
Choosing a kazoo
See our guide to the best kazoos in 2026 for metal, plastic, electric and bulk picks.
[…] How long does a kazoo membrane last? Months to years, depending on use. Metal kazoos let you replace it; see our kazoo care and playing guide. […]