Neys are keyed instruments. They are similar to penny whistles in that way. So, a Ney player usually has a set of neys to use depending on the Maqam and key. The normal set consists of seven Neys. However, a competent Ney player usually uses two. The Neys are referred to by the name of the second note. That is the note the Ney produces when the first hole is uncovered. In the typical Ney, the note is "D" . It is usually called by the Turkish name which is "Docah".

Neys For the Docah Ney which is the most commonly used ney, when all the holes are covered, the basic note is 'C' or Do as most Egyptian musicians call it.

The following table contains the list of the neys and their standard notes: