D
Dm
D#dim7
G
Gm
A
Asus4
Dm7
F
Dmaj7
Bm
Em
Time In A Bottle
Jim Croce
Jim Croce’s “Time In A Bottle” was first released in 1972. The original features delicate fingerpicking and gentle chord changes, giving it a nostalgic, intimate feel. Understanding this soft style will help you capture the song’s mood on guitar.
Chord Transitions
This song uses some basic chords (D, Dm, G, A, Asus4, Em, Bm) along with less common ones (Dm7, D#dim7, Gm, Dmaj7, F). Beginners may find D#dim7 and Gm tricky—practice moving slowly between these and the more familiar shapes.
Strumming & Picking Tips
While the original is fingerpicked, beginners can use a gentle down-down-up-up-down-up strumming pattern to mimic the feel. For a more authentic sound, try picking the bass note (lowest string in the chord) followed by the higher strings. If you are comfortable, alternate between fingerpicking for the verses and light strumming for choruses.
Techniques for Beginners
Take time with the Asus4 to A transitions—they happen often and give the song its distinctive movement. When approaching chord changes, especially between Dm, D#dim7, and Dm7, keep your fingers close to the fretboard and move smoothly to reduce pauses.
Practice Advice
Slow down the tempo at first and focus on clean chord changes. Gradually speed up as you gain confidence, always maintaining the song’s gentle, flowing rhythm.
Intro
D Dm D#dim7 G Gm A Asus4 A
Verse 1IfDm I could saveD#dim7 time in aDm7 bottle
TheGm first thing that I'd like toA doAsus4 A
Is toDm save everyDm7 day til eF ternityGm passes aDm way
Just toGm spend them withA youAsus4 A
Verse 2IfDm I could makeD#dim7 days last forDm7 ever
IfGm words could make wishes comeA trueAsus4 A
I'dDm save everyDm7 day like aF treasure andGm then
ADm gain, I wouldGm spend them withA youAsus4 A
ChorusBut thereD never seems toDmaj7 be enough time
ToBm do the things youD want to do once youG find themD Em A Asus4 A
I'veD looked around eDmaj7 nough to know
ThatBm you're the one ID want to go throughG time withD Em A Asus4 A
InstrumentalD Dm D#dim7 G Gm A Asus4 A
Verse 3IfDm I had aD#dim7 box, just forDm7 wishes
AndGm dreams that had never comeA trueAsus4 A
TheDm box, would beDm7 empty exceptF for theGm memory ofDm how
They wereGm answered byA youAsus4 A
ChorusBut thereD never seems toDmaj7 be enough time
ToBm do the things youD want to do once youG find themD Em A Asus4 A
I'veD looked around eDmaj7 nough to know
ThatBm you're the one ID want to go throughG time withD Em A Asus4 A
OutroDm Dm Dm Dm