| Text | While you are playing this musical instrument, you can create harmless, illusory visual effects within a 5-foot-radius sphere centered on the instrument. If you are a bard, the radius increases to 15 feet. Sample visual effects include luminous musical notes, a spectral dancer, butterflies, and gently falling snow. The magical effects have neither substance nor sound, and they are obviously illusory. The effects end when you stop playing.
If you have proficiency with a given musical instrument, you can add your proficiency bonus to any ability checks you make to play music with the instrument.
A bard can use a musical instrument as a spellcasting focus, substituting it for any material component that does not list a cost.
Each type of musical instrument requires a separate proficiency.
Proficiency with a musical instrument indicates you are familiar with the techniques used to play it. You also have knowledge of some songs commonly performed with that instrument.
History: Your expertise aids you in recalling lore related to your instrument.
Performance: Your ability to put on a good show is improved when you incorporate an instrument into your act.
Compose a Tune: As part of a long rest, you can compose a new tune and lyrics for your instrument. You might use this ability to impress a noble or spread scandalous rumors with a catchy tune.
Musical Instrument:
Activity | DC
Identify a tune | 10
Improvise a tune | 20
Source: Xanathar's Guide to Everything p. 137,
Xanathar's Guide to Everything p. 83 |