She’ll Be Comin’ Variations
Found in: Accompaniment, Arrangements & Variations, Curriculum, Foundation Songs
Mark M., New York
Several years ago, I started having students expand on the She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain Variation by suggesting that any of the four “Bottom-Right-Top-Right” moments could be doubled as a “berry” the way the 2nd of those moments is doubled in the formal “Blueberry Mouthful” variation, and that they could vary their doubling/berry rhythmic choices improvisationally from one bar to the next. It’s been a fun challenge with colorful results. Not long ago, I stumbled on a great name for this expanded variation: Mixed Berries ☺️🫐🍓
Stephen R., California
I thought of an alternative lyric for the standard one, “Strawberry Shortcake”. 🙂
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
I’ve also introduced a variation of She’ll Be Comin’ – livened up the chords just a bit:
C C C C
C C G G7
C C7 F F#dim
C/G G Fm C
Just a few simple explanations re: F#dim and the LH notes in the C/G chord required.
Also fun – assign new lyrics. Hilarious what they’ll come up with!
Stephen R., California
Laurie Richards That’s awesome! I assume you keep the C on top of the LH on the C/G part, so G to C. Love it!
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
Stephen R. Exactly. You can point out that the top LH note remains on C throughout F – F#dim – C/G. We practice just that in the LH to solidify.
Mark M., New York
Laurie Richards Nice! A couple of potentially fun additions occur to me:
Split the C7 over E — so LH C is on top from there all the way through C/G.
With the F you’ve turned into Fm, do one of each — Bottom-F-Top-Fm (akin to what happens in the V in Chester Arr 1.1).
Maybe even split the G7/B — LH G on top for both that and the C that immediately follows.
Laurie Richards, Nebraska
Mark M. love it! Great ideas that create a nice line in the LH
Original discussion started February 4, 2026