How to pronounce the 'long e' /i/

The tongue is forward, with the body of the tongue near the tooth ridge. (The tongue is higher in the mouth for this sound than for any other vowel in English.) Because the tongue is so high, the jaw is relatively closed during the 'long e' /i/ sound. The sides of the tongue touch the top, side teeth during the sound.

NOTE: This sound is very similar to a 'y sound' /y/.

How to pronounce the 'short e' /ɛ/

The 'short e' /ɛ/ sound is a relatively relaxed vowel sound. The middle of the tongue rounds slightly upward and the sides of the tongue may lightly touch the top and bottom side teeth. The lips and jaw are loose and relaxed.