The instrument has the potential range of at least one octave, and can easily be tuned to any chromatic pitch, so it is possible to perform complex melodies with it.

The pitch, dynamic range, and timbre depend on the bottles used, for example their material, shape, thickness, and so on.

This is similar to many other instruments which use a separate mechanism for each pitch (piano, xylophone, harp, harmonica, bells, etc.).

[1] In this performance bottles are seen hanging on threads in front of the player; this may improve the sound or add convenience.

Tuned bottles were used by percussion legend Emil Richards in numerous performances and recordings and are part of his large instrument collection.