Bernie Kenerson: Art of the EWI Tips & Techniques

I go over the 960 Pentatonic scales, their formulas and application with audio examples.

My new 960 Pentatonic Scales eBook is available from the eStore at JazzWebShed.com

Here's my new eBook! I took Exercise #1 from 25 Daily exercises for Saxophone by H. Klose and transposed to 16 modes in all 12 keys. You get the 7 church modes, 7 Lydian Augmented (Jazz Minor) modes, Harmonic minor and Melodic minor (193 pages). It's quite a workout on EWI and any other instrument for that matter.  Also great for developing your ear!  It's available as a free download for a limited time so download it and get busy!

H. Klose ex.1 in 16 modes and 12 keys

Click the above link for your free download!

In this master class I teach the formulas for using major triad pairs over minor 7ths (dorian), dom.7, major and jazz minor. also covered tritone subs and alternate pairs for inside/outside side slipping.

Find it and so much more right here!

This month I want to deal with deglitching your EWI technique.  From working on my own fingering technique over the years and working with my students it's apparent that the main cause of glitching comes from the 3rd finger or ring finger. These exercises will serve to work that finger and make it stronger and faster. Practice all exercises slurred and use K2 (middle finger) for C. Start at slower tempos and gradually increase speed to as fast as you can play without glitching. Practice in all octaves, especially extreme low and high. When practicing an exercise play five times in a row correctly before increasing tempo. Patient and disciplined practice of these exercises will decrease propensity for glitching.

 

Here are 3 Exercises that are sure to improve your octave roller technique.  They will help you know your "octave place". Practice them slowly and precisely at first and then increase speed. Use light thumb pressure with crisp snappy moves from one octave position to the other.  These exercises should be part of your daily practice routine and are a good warm up before any EWI performance.

Just grab this page and move it to your desk top.

 

If you own an Akai EWI4000s this months tip will help you get to know your instrument and it's sonic potential. I've asked numerous EWI players if they have taken the time to do the exercise explained here and not heard a yes yet. Here's what you need to do.

Play the followibg long tone exercise on each of the 100 patches on your EWI4000s. 12 second cycle.

Dynamics:ppp........................fff.........................ppp
BC/CC#2:0...........................127...........................0
Time: 0sec.......................6sec....................12sec.

Also play each patch with a soft, medium and hard attack. When you do this you really learn what's in a patch and how to control your air speed.

It will also help you set your amp or PA so that you have enough headroom. This is very important in live situations so you do not overblow (bottom out) your patches.

This can and should be done with any wind controller and any harware and/or software patches you use.

Come back and visit this page often. I'll be posting various tips and techniques at least once a month.