Phil Berthoud

Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele and Bass

Performer, teacher, composer, author of music instruction books and arranger.

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About Phil Berthoud

Author of multiple instructional books on Fiddle, Mandolin and Guitar, as well as arranger of collections of traditional music.

Teacher and Performer with over 30 years’ experience, specialising in Folk Music (especially Irish), Pop, Rock, Blues, Jazz

Composer, Author and Arranger

Instrument Tuition

Irish Fiddle

With a lively and foot-tapping style, developed over 35 years of playing, Phil’s extensive experience includes being a top-selling author of Fiddle Books, published by Mel Bay; bringing his infectious, solid playing to numerous bands; and sharing his love and deep knowledge of Irish fiddle playing with countless students. 

Guitar

Phil started his musical journey on guitar in 1979.  Since then he has played in many bands as well as solo, and has had several collections of guitar music published by Mel Bay.  For 30 years, Phil has been a sought after teacher of all ages and standards, on acoustic and electric guitar.  His aim is to share the love of making music, tailoring lessons to each individual student.

Mandolin

A versatile and expressive mandolin player, Phil has had several books published on Mandolin playing, including Irish Mandolin Playing: A Complete Guide.  When it comes to performing and teaching, Phil plays many other styles, including popular, rock, world music and blues. 

Ukulele

Phil has taught countless students to play the Ukulele over the years.  Whether a child beginner or an existing adult player who wants to expand their horizons on this little instrument, Phil is one of the best teachers around.

Up Sligo/The Morning Dew

by Phil Berthoud - Fiddle

Exodus (film theme)

by Phil Berthoud - mandolin and guitar

Cock O The North/Mason's Apron

by Phil Berthoud - Fiddle

Latest Articles

Browse Phil’s growing selection of articles on a variety of musical themes

Down in the Park – cover by Phil Berthoud

Rewind back to 24th May 1979 and an episode of Top of the Pops that I'll always remember.  Along with Roxy Music's Dance Away, Boys Keep Swinging by David Bowie and Shine a Little Love by ELO ...

Road to Lisdoonvarna and Gravel Walks on fiddle and guitar

Here are a couple of my favourite traditional Irish tunes. First is The Road to Lisdoonvarna, a slide that's normally heard in the key of Em (or E dorian to be exact).  Here I play it in Am (A ...

Golden Brown on guitar, fiddle and mandolin

Here's my rendition of The Stranglers 1982 singie, Golden Brown.  I remember this coming out while I was still at school.  A lot of the kids at school felt betrayed by the distinct change of ...

Old Joe Clark – Old time American tune

This tune was originally a North American traditional song.  The lyrics are thought to be inspired by the 19th century Kentucky mountaineer Joseph Clark and versions have been recorded by the ...

John Ryan’s Polka on Tenor Ukulele

John Ryan's Polka - Traditional Irish Tune on Tenor Ukulele. Complete with video, sheet music and tab