One of the interesting features of these scordatura tunings is the ability to change to a different tonal center and harmonic color by changing one or two strings. For example, to change from C-Moderno 1 (B-flat in bass and treble; middle B-natural) to D-Antico (B-flat in bass and treble; middle B-natural; middle C-sharp) requires retuning one string (middle C, from natural to sharp).

On a harp without hooks, levers, or pedals, this is an important consideration.

Furthermore, these tuning relationships make a spiral, which allows a player to move through a sequence of tunings, retuning only one or two strings at each stage. For example:

Start in G-Antico. (All three B's are flat; bass and treble E's are flat; middle F is sharp; and middle E is natural.)

Retune the middle F from F-sharp to F-natural--this puts you in F-Moderno 1. (All three B's are flat; bass and treble E's are flat; middle E is natural).

Retune the bass and treble E's from E-flat to E-natural. This puts you in F-Major. (All three B's are flat; all other notes are natural).

Retune middle B from B-flat to B-natural to reach C-Moderno 1. (Bass and treble B's are flat; middle B is natural.)

Retune middle C from C-natural to C-sharp to reach D-Antico. (Bass and treble B's are flat; middle B is natural; middle C is sharp.)

Retune middle C from C-sharp to C natural and treble B from B-flat to B natural. This puts you in C-Moderno 2. (Bass B is flat; middle and treble B's are natural.)