The interval between the holes ranges from a semitone to three quarter tones, although microtones (and broader pitch inflections) are achieved via partial hole-covering, changes of embouchure, or positioning and blowing angle.

Advanced players will typically own a set of several neys in various keys, although it is possible (albeit difficult) to play fully chromatically on any instrument.

A slight exception to this rule is found in the extreme lowest range of the instrument, where the fingering becomes quite complex and the transition from the first octave (fundamental pitches) to the second is rather awkward.

Gargy-tuyduk (Karghy tuiduk) is a long reed flute whose origin, according to legend, is connected with Alexander of Macedonia, and a similar instrument existed in ancient Egypt.

The allay epic songs have been described by the Turkologist N. Baskakov who divides them into three main types: The sound of the Turkmen gargy-tuyduk is most like the Altay Kargyrkip kayla.

The range of the garg-tuyduk includes three registers: The Pamiri nay is a transverse flute made of wood or, in Eastern Badakhshan, eagle bone.