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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Capo
None
Chords
Dm · Am · Gm · A · F · C · Bb
Time in a Bottle Chords – Guitar
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-C-E-A
Chords
Dm · Am · Gm · A · F · C · Bb
Time in a Bottle Chords – Ukulele
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Left Hand
Root notes
Chords
Dm · Am · Gm · A · F · C · Bb
Time in a Bottle Chords – Piano
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
Dm · Am · Gm · A · F · C · Bb
Time in a Bottle Chords – Banjo
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Tuning
G-D-A-E
Chords
Dm · Am · Gm · A · F · C · Bb
Time in a Bottle Chords – Mandolin
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Key
D
Difficulty
Intermediate
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
Dm · Am · Gm · A · F · C · Bb
Time in a Bottle Chords – Harmonica
Jim Croce’s poignant ballad about the desire to save time for a loved one. Intermediate difficulty in the key of D.
Fingerstyle Strum (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Use a light fingerpicking or strumming pattern to match the song’s gentle, reflective mood.
Chords & Structure
Full Song
Verse 1
D
G
D
G – A
D
G
D
G – A – D
Chorus
G – D
A – D
G – D
A – D
Verse 2
D
G
D
G – A – D
Chorus
G – D
A – D
G – D
A – D
Bridge
D
G
D
G
A – D
Chorus
G – D
A – D
G – D
A – D
Outro
D – G (×5)
D – A
D
Practice tip: Work on the D to G and G to A transitions to keep the flow smooth, and practice the descending bass line in the outro for a clean finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chords do you need to play "Time in a Bottle"?
You need 7 intermediate-friendly chords: Dm, Am, Gm, A, F, C and Bb.
Is "Time in a Bottle" easy to play on guitar?
It is rated intermediate and uses only 7 chords in the key of D, making it a good choice for players at that level.
What key is "Time in a Bottle" in?
It is in the key of D.
Who wrote "Time in a Bottle"?
It was written by Jim Croce, and released in 1973.