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

Up Sligo/The Morning Dew

by Phil Berthoud - Fiddle

Cock O The North/Mason's Apron

by Phil Berthoud - Fiddle

Exodus (film theme)

by Phil Berthoud - mandolin and guitar

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.

Latest Articles

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

Phil Berthoud – Solo Acoustic Guitarist – based in Devon

South Devon Solo Acoustic Guitarist Phil Berthoud - available for bookings - read more about Phil here

Irish Jigs – Reverse Bowing

Free up your Irish jigs with reverse bowing. Energise your playing and breathe new life into tunes that seem to have gone past their best before date!

Movable Chord Shapes for Guitarists – A shape

Tired of playing the same old chords over and over again? Get acquainted with movable chord shapes to open up new possibilities for your playing.

What Key is that Tune? Tunes that Change Key

Learn about the keys of folk tunes - looking here at a few tunes that change key midway through (or appear to)

John Bradburne album – In the Footsteps of the Vagabond

John Bradburne is the inspiration for this album of traditional music from Cumbria, Devon and Norfolk by John's Godson Phil Berthoud.