/playsound
Plays a registered sound event to one or more players, with control over the mixer source (master, music, record, hostile, etc.), position, volume, pitch, and minimum volume for out-of-range listeners. Volume above 1.0 increases the audible radius rather than loudness.
What is /playsound used for?
What /playsound is for
Plays any registered sound event for chosen players, with control over the mixer category, position, volume, and pitch.
When to use /playsound
Cue dramatic sounds in maps (dragon growls, explosions), add audio feedback to datapack menus, or play positional ambience tied to a location.
Tips for /playsound
A volume above 1.0 widens the audible radius rather than making it louder. Match the source (master, music, hostile…) so players' sound settings affect it correctly. Stop sounds with /stopsound.
Syntax
Parameters
- sound
- sound ID
- e.g. minecraft:entity.ender_dragon.growl.
- source
- literal
- Mixer category: master, music, record, weather, block, hostile, neutral, player, ambient, voice.
- targets
- entity selector
- Players who hear the sound.
- volumeoptional
- float
- >1 widens the radius; default 1.
- pitchoptional
- float
- 0.0–2.0, default 1.
Command builder
Fill in the options below to generate a ready-to-paste /playsound command.
e.g. minecraft:entity.ender_dragon.growl.
Mixer category: master, music, record, weather, block, hostile, neutral, player, ambient, voice.
Players who hear the sound.
>1 widens the radius; default 1.
0.0–2.0, default 1.
Examples
Play the dragon growl for everyone.
High-pitched note block pling for yourself.
Common questions
Why can't I hear my /playsound?
Check that you're in range (raise volume above 1 to widen it), the source matches the player's volume settings, and the sound ID is spelled correctly.
How do I stop a sound I started?
Use /stopsound <player>, optionally narrowing to a source or specific sound — e.g. /stopsound @a music.
Permission level
/playsound requires Cheats (op level 2). In single-player you need the world's "Allow Cheats" toggle on. On a multiplayer server you need to be opped — see /op.