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Discover all the Instruments available in Baldur’s Gate 3 and find out the best ones to use in your playthrough.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is a highly acclaimed CRPG from the renowned developer Larian Studios. Released in the summer of 2023 on all major platforms, it features an engaging storyline, memorable companions, and tactical turn-based combat. Additionally, there are many pieces of unique armour, weapons, accessories, and other items to find as you explore the world of Faerun. Some of these items require conquering difficult boss fights, solving intricate puzzles, or looting treasure chests.
In addition to the gear items, there are also instruments that characters can use for various reasons. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Instruments in Baldur’s Gate 3 and list all of them.
Instruments Overview in BG3
Instruments include musical items that characters can play using the Perform action. With a wide range of instruments available in Baldur’s Gate 3, characters can play them to create songs. There are five main types of instruments that you will come across in your playthrough. These include Lute, Flute, Lyre, Violin, and Hand Drum. All of these are common instruments that you can obtain by purchasing from vendors or looting from a certain camp.
Moreover, these variants also come in high rarity including Rare, Unique, and Story-rarity. Some of these high-rarity instruments have special usage providing additional benefits. So, getting these instruments will come in handy, especially for progressing in the main story.
Now, to use or play the instruments, you must have “Musical Instrument” proficiency. If you have the Bard class then you will already have the Musical Instrument proficiency. Those who want to get the Musical Instrument Proficiency to play the instrument with the ‘Perform’ action, they can attain it with the following methods.
- Take 1 level in the Bard Class.
- Take the Performer Feat.
- Perform successfully with Alfira at the Emerald Grove.
Lastly, if your character is proficient in Musical Instruments but does not have any instrument equipped, they can still use the perform action. It will let them play the whistle.
What is the purpose of Instruments in BG3?
The main purpose of instruments in Baldur’s Gate 3 is to play them and attract or delight the NPCs around you. As you attract people toward you, it will allow other party members to sneak into a restricted section without getting noticed. So, it is very handy to bring along a character with Musical Instrument proficiency. It will open more opportunities for your exploration. Moreover, when you play any instrument, if you get a successful check, people will tip you.
Another essential use of the Musical Instruments is progressing in the main story. A few of the unique rarity instruments will be required for you to progress. So, make sure that you acquire them by following the main storyline quests.
List of All Instruments in BG3
Here is a list of all the instruments that you can acquire in Baldur’s Gate 3 including their rarity and special effects/uses.
| Musical Instrument | Rarity | Description | Special Effects/Uses | How to Get |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lute | Common | Many a bard’s first instrument, the lute is heard in taverns all across Faerûn. | – | You can select it as a starter instrument for the Bard Class. |
| Flute | Common | It is said Diores the Charming once lured a nest of harpies to their deaths, using only a flute. | – | You can select it as a starter instrument for the Bard Class. |
| Hand Drum | Common | Whether sounding war, celebration, or simple rhythm, the drum is a main-stay of any entertainer’s arsenal. | – | You can select it as a starter instrument for the Bard Class. |
| Lyre | Common | Devotes of the goddess Sune hold that the lyre’s seven strings represent the seven different forms of love. | – | You can select it as a starter instrument for the Bard Class. |
| Violin | Common | Strings of silk bound in copper lend the violin a distinctive range – mellow soft notes to harsh, discordant edges. | – | You can select it as a starter instrument for the Bard Class. |
| Battered Lute | Story-rarity | A lute with the initials AC meticulously carved into the body. | Necessary for completing the Wake Art Cullagh quest | You can find it on the body of Malus Thorm in the House of Healing, Act 2. |
| Lihala’s Lute | Story-rarity | This lute’s wooden body is worn dull from time and use, but its strings and frets are still in excellent condition. | – | You can get it from Alfira during conversation in the Druid Grove. |
| Spider’s Lyre | Story-rarity | The strings of this lyre are as sharp as an assassin’s blade. Pluck with care, or you may lose a fingertip. | Calls Kar’niss to help you get through the Shadow-Cursed Lands. | You can get it from Minthara’s body if she dies in the Goblin Camp. OR You can side with Minthara to take out the Tieflings and she will gift you the Lyre during the celebration. |
| Dostrealt’s Piccolo | Rare | This petite flute, engraved with drow sigils, is said to have belonged to Captain Dostrealt of the spelljammer flitter ‘Erevan’s Clutch’. | – | You can purchase it from the vendor at Chromatic Scale in the Lower City. |
| Falataeric Cli Lyre | Rare | This exquisite instrument is said to come from the shop of the legendary Moonshaean bard Falataer. Fewer than twenty of his handcrafted lyres still survive. | – | You can purchase it from the vendor at Chromatic Scale in the Lower City. |
| Glimmergad’s Selgaunt Fiddle | Rare | The notorious gnomish bard Fiddlesticks Glimmergad was said to play violin tunes so sad they made bank guards weep – while his accomplices robbed the bank’s vaults. | – | You can purchase it from the vendor at Chromatic Scale in the Lower City. |
| Kiam Goda’s Kilat Drum | Rare | A Lulutiun hand drum covered in sealskin, like those played at koatulit peace festivals. Kiam Goda was famous for his finger-thumb taradiddles. | – | You can purchase it from the vendor at Chromatic Scale in the Lower City. |
| Stolyarof’s Table Lute | Rare | This heavy, deep-voiced instrument is of the type called a ‘table lute’ due to its weight. Famously, the late Ahndri Stolyarof refused to let anyone else play it. | – | You can purchase it from the vendor at Chromatic Scale in the Lower City. |
| Lute of the Merryweather Bard | Common | An old lute that hums with the voices of numerous sprites and spirits. | – | You can acquire it from the Traveller’s Chest at the Camp after installing the Digital Deluxe Edition. |
Tips and Tricks for Using Instruments in BG3
Here are some of the tips and tricks for using musical instruments in Baldur’s Gate 3.
- Equip at least two to three different musical instruments across your characters. It will help you create a song by playing the instruments together.
- Play the instruments near a restricted area to distract the enemies. It will help you get easier access to a restricted section.
- Pass the performance checks while playing the instruments to get tips from the audience.
- For more immersive roleplay, play different tunes at the camp to celebrate your adventure.
Best Instruments in BG3
Musical Instruments are only a fun feature you can use and play with as a bard to enhance your roleplaying experience. There are no advantages to any of the instruments over the others, so choose whatever you like. However, if I want to rank them, I would rank them based on their weight. Here are the best Instruments in Baldur’s Gate 3.
- Flute – Weight: 0.5 kg
- Violin – Weight: 0.55 kg
- Lyre – Weight: 1 kg
- Lute – Weight: 1 kg
- Hand Drum – Weight: 1.5 kg
FAQs about All Instruments in BG3
Are there Instruments in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Yes, there are musical instruments available in Baldur’s Gate 3. In fact, the Bard class starts with one of the instruments.
How many Instruments are there in bg3?
There are 14 musical instruments currently available in Baldur’s Gate 3. Moreover, the instruments also come in high-rarity and some of them have special uses.
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