Bard 5e class
Bards weave magic through music, words and performance. They are full Charisma casters with a huge skill list, inspire their allies with Bardic Inspiration and can pick up spells from any class list with Magical Secrets.
Jump to: Playing a bard · Bard table · Class features · Bard College options · What changed in 2024 · Common questions
Bard at a glance
- Hit die
- d8
- Hit points at 1st level
- 8 + Constitution modifier
- Hit points per level after 1st
- 1d8 (or 5) + Constitution modifier
- Saving throws
- Dexterity, Charisma
- Armor
- Light armor
- Weapons
- Simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords
- Tools
- Three musical instruments of your choice
- Skills
- Choose any 3
- Spellcasting ability
- Charisma
- Subclass
- Bard College at 3rd level
Planning ability scores? Try the point buy calculator or the 4d6 ability score roller. Multiclassing with another spellcaster? The multiclass spell slot calculator works out your combined slots.
What the bard is good at
The bard does a bit of everything and helps everyone else do it better. It’s a full Charisma caster with healing, control and illusion spells, picks any three skills, and from 2nd level adds half its proficiency bonus (rounded down) to every ability check it isn’t proficient in, thanks to Jack of All Trades. Expertise at 3rd and 10th level doubles the proficiency bonus on two skills each time.
Bardic Inspiration is the signature feature: as a bonus action, you give a creature other than yourself within 60 feet who can hear you a d6 (d8 at 5th level, d10 at 10th, d12 at 15th). Within the next 10 minutes it can add the die to one ability check, attack roll or saving throw. You get uses equal to your Charisma modifier, and from 5th level they come back on a short rest.
Choosing ability scores
Charisma first: it’s your spellcasting ability, sets your number of Bardic Inspiration uses and backs up the social skills you’ll be using. Dexterity second, since you wear light armor, then Constitution for hit points and concentration.
With the standard array: Charisma 15, Dexterity 14, Constitution 13, then Wisdom 12, Intelligence 10 and Strength 8. The point buy calculator adds your race’s (2014) or background’s (2024) increases for you.
Picking a bard college
You choose a college at 3rd level. The SRD’s College of Lore gives three more skill proficiencies, Cutting Words (spend a Bardic Inspiration die as a reaction to subtract it from an enemy’s attack roll, ability check or damage roll) and two extra spells from any class at 6th level. It’s the best at skills and spells.
The Player’s Handbook’s College of Valor adds medium armor, shields, martial weapons and, at 6th level, Extra Attack, for a bard who fights up front. Later books add the Colleges of Swords, Glamour, Whispers, Creation and Eloquence, among others.
Common beginner mistakes
- Hoarding Bardic Inspiration. Once your uses come back on a short rest (5th level), spend them every fight. Even before then, an unused die at the end of the day is wasted.
- Trying to inspire yourself. Bardic Inspiration goes to another creature; you can’t give it to yourself.
- Picking spells in a hurry. In the 2014 rules you know a fixed number of spells and can swap only one each time you gain a level, so choose for the whole campaign. Healing Word and Vicious Mockery are safe picks.
- Forgetting Jack of All Trades. It applies to any ability check you aren’t proficient in, including Dexterity checks for initiative.
Bard level progression
| Level | Proficiency bonus | Features | Cantrips Known | Spells Known | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | +2 | Spellcasting, Bardic Inspiration (d6) | 2 | 4 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 2nd | +2 | Jack of All Trades, Song of Rest (d6), Magical Inspiration† | 2 | 5 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 3rd | +2 | Bard College, Expertise | 2 | 6 | 4 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 4th | +2 | Ability Score Improvement, Bardic Versatility† | 3 | 7 | 4 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 5th | +3 | Bardic Inspiration (d8), Font of Inspiration | 3 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 6th | +3 | Countercharm, Bard College feature | 3 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 7th | +3 | — | 3 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 8th | +3 | Ability Score Improvement, Bardic Versatility† | 3 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — | — |
| 9th | +4 | Song of Rest (d8) | 3 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | — | — | — | — |
| 10th | +4 | Bardic Inspiration (d10), Expertise, Magical Secrets | 4 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | — | — | — | — |
| 11th | +4 | — | 4 | 15 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — |
| 12th | +4 | Ability Score Improvement, Bardic Versatility† | 4 | 15 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | — | — | — |
| 13th | +5 | Song of Rest (d10) | 4 | 16 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| 14th | +5 | Magical Secrets, Bard College feature | 4 | 18 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| 15th | +5 | Bardic Inspiration (d12) | 4 | 19 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 16th | +5 | Ability Score Improvement, Bardic Versatility† | 4 | 19 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | — |
| 17th | +6 | Song of Rest (d12) | 4 | 20 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 18th | +6 | Magical Secrets | 4 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 19th | +6 | Ability Score Improvement, Bardic Versatility† | 4 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 20th | +6 | Superior Inspiration | 4 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
The numbered columns are spell slots per spell level.
† Optional class features from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, which the builder offers if your table uses them: Magical Inspiration and Bardic Versatility. They aren’t in the SRD, so their text isn’t on this page.
Bard class features (2014 rules, SRD 5.1)
As a bard, you gain the following class features. Each one shows the bard level you gain it at; features chosen at a later level (like your bard college) add more as you go.
Spellcasting
1st level
You have learned to untangle and reshape the fabric of reality in harmony with your wishes and music. Your spells are part of your vast repertoire, magic that you can tune to different situations.
Cantrips
You know two cantrips of your choice from the bard spell list. You learn additional bard cantrips of your choice at higher levels, as shown in the Cantrips Known column of the Bard table.
Spell Slots
The Bard table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your spells of 1st level and higher. To cast one of these spells, you must expend a slot of the spell's level or higher. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a long rest.
For example, if you know the 1st-level spell cure wounds and have a 1st-level and a 2nd-level spell slot available, you can cast cure wounds using either slot.
Spells Known of 1st Level and Higher
You know four 1st-level spells of your choice from the bard spell list.
The Spells Known column of the Bard table shows when you learn more bard spells of your choice.
Each of these spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots, as shown on the table. For instance, when you reach 3rd level in this class, you can learn one new spell of 1st or 2nd level.
Additionally, when you gain a level in this class, you can choose one of the bard spells you know and replace it with another spell from the bard spell list, which also must be of a level for which you have spell slots.
Spellcasting Ability
Charisma is your spellcasting ability for your bard spells. Your magic comes from the heart and soul you pour into the performance of your music or oration. You use your Charisma whenever a spell refers to your spellcasting ability. In addition, you use your Charisma modifier when setting the saving throw DC for a bard spell you cast and when making an attack roll with one.
Spell save DC = 8 + your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier
Spell attack modifier = your proficiency bonus + your Charisma modifier
Ritual Casting
You can cast any bard spell you know as a ritual if that spell has the ritual tag.
Spellcasting Focus
You can use a musical instrument (see "Equipment") as a spellcasting focus for your bard spells.
Bardic Inspiration
1st level (d6), 5th level (d8), 10th level (d10) and 15th level (d12)
You can inspire others through stirring words or music. To do so, you use a bonus action on your turn to choose one creature other than yourself within 60 feet of you who can hear you. That creature gains one Bardic Inspiration die, a d6. Once within the next 10 minutes, the creature can roll the die and add the number rolled to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw it makes. The creature can wait until after it rolls the d20 before deciding to use the Bardic Inspiration die, but must decide before the GM says whether the roll succeeds or fails. Once the Bardic Inspiration die is rolled, it is lost. A creature can have only one Bardic Inspiration die at a time.
You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (a minimum of once). You regain any expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Your Bardic Inspiration die changes when you reach certain levels in this class. The die becomes a d8 at 5th level, a d10 at 10th level, and a d12 at 15th level.
Jack of All Trades
2nd level
Starting at 2nd level, you can add half your proficiency bonus, rounded down, to any ability check you make that doesn't already include your proficiency bonus.
Song of Rest
2nd level (d6), 9th level (d8), 13th level (d10) and 17th level (d12)
Beginning at 2nd level, you can use soothing music or oration to help revitalize your wounded allies during a short rest. If you or any friendly creatures who can hear your performance regain hit points at the end of the short rest by spending one or more Hit Dice, each of those creatures regains an extra 1d6 hit points.
The extra hit points increase when you reach certain levels in this class: to 1d8 at 9th level, to 1d10 at 13th level, and to 1d12 at 17th level.
Bard College
3rd level
At 3rd level, you delve into the advanced techniques of a bard college of your choice, such as the College of Lore. Your choice grants you features at 3rd level and again at 6th and 14th level.
Expertise
3rd and 10th level
At 3rd level, choose two of your skill proficiencies. Your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses either of the chosen proficiencies. At 10th level, you can choose another two skill proficiencies to gain this benefit.
Ability Score Improvement
4th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 19th level
When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1. As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature.
Font of Inspiration
5th level
Beginning when you reach 5th level, you regain all of your expended uses of Bardic Inspiration when you finish a short or long rest.
Countercharm
6th level
At 6th level, you gain the ability to use musical notes or words of power to disrupt mind-influencing effects. As an action, you can start a performance that lasts until the end of your next turn. During that time, you and any friendly creatures within 30 feet of you have advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed. A creature must be able to hear you to gain this benefit. The performance ends early if you are incapacitated or silenced or if you voluntarily end it (no action required).
Magical Secrets
10th, 14th and 18th level
By 10th level, you have plundered magical knowledge from a wide spectrum of disciplines. Choose two spells from any class, including this one. A spell you choose must be of a level you can cast, as shown on the Bard table, or a cantrip.
The chosen spells count as bard spells for you and are included in the number in the Spells Known column of the Bard table.
You learn two additional spells from any class at 14th level and again at 18th level.
Superior Inspiration
20th level
At 20th level, when you roll initiative and have no uses of Bardic Inspiration left, you regain one use.
Bard College options
The builder offers 11 subclasses for the bard, and only shows the ones your build can take.
Official
- College of Creation Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
- College of Eloquence Mythic Odysseys of Theros, Tasha's Cauldron of Everything
- College of Glamour Xanathar's Guide to Everything
- College of Lore SRD Player's Handbook
- College of Spirits Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft
- College of Swords Xanathar's Guide to Everything
- College of the Fury Chronicles of Ebberon
- College of Valor Player's Handbook
- College of Whispers Xanathar's Guide to Everything
Homebrew
- College of the Dirge Singer Exploring Eberron
- College of the Maestro DMSGuild
The SRD includes one bard college in each edition, marked SRD above. The others are in the Player’s Handbook and later books, so this page gives their names only. The College of Lore page has its full text in both editions, a guide and what changed in 2024.
| Rules | SRD subclass | Features by level |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 (SRD 5.1) | College of Lore | Bonus Proficiencies (3rd), Cutting Words (3rd), Additional Magical Secrets (6th), Peerless Skill (14th) |
| 2024 (SRD 5.2) | College of Lore | Bonus Proficiencies (3), Cutting Words (3), Magical Discoveries (6), Peerless Skill (14) |
What changed in 2024
The 2024 Player’s Handbook revised the bard, and the System Reference Document 5.2 has the new version. Here is the bard side by side in both editions, and what changed, worked out from the two SRDs.
| 2014 rules (SRD 5.1) | 2024 rules (SRD 5.2) | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary ability | — | Charisma |
| Hit die | d8 | d8 |
| Saving throws | Dexterity and Charisma | Dexterity and Charisma |
| Skills | Choose any 3 | Choose any 3 skills |
| Armor | Light armor | Light armor |
| Weapons | Simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords | Simple weapons |
| Tools | Three musical instruments of your choice | Choose 3 Musical Instruments |
| Subclass | Bard College at 3rd level | Bard subclass at level 3 |
| Spells | Knows a set number of spells (4 at 1st level) | Prepares spells: 4 at level 1, 22 at level 20 |
| Cantrips at level 1 | 2 | 2 |
- The subclass still comes at level 3; the 2024 rules just call it a Bard subclass rather than a Bard College.
- Spells are prepared rather than known: you can swap spells more freely, and the Prepared Spells column sets how many you have.
- Ability Score Improvements become feats: at levels 4, 8, 12 and 16 you take the Ability Score Improvement feat or another feat you qualify for, and level 19 brings an Epic Boon feat instead of the last improvement.
- New features: Words of Creation (level 20).
- Moved: Expertise (3rd level → level 2), Countercharm (6th level → level 7), Superior Inspiration (20th level → level 18).
- 2014 features with no 2024 feature of the same name (some were renamed or folded into others): Song of Rest.
- The level 20 capstone is Words of Creation (2014: Superior Inspiration).
Features by level, 2014 and 2024
| Level | 2014 features | 2024 features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spellcasting, Bardic Inspiration (d6) | Bardic Inspiration, Spellcasting |
| 2 | Jack of All Trades, Song of Rest (d6) | Expertise, Jack of All Trades |
| 3 | Bard College, Expertise | Bard Subclass |
| 4 | Ability Score Improvement | Ability Score Improvement |
| 5 | Bardic Inspiration (d8), Font of Inspiration | Font of Inspiration |
| 6 | Countercharm, Bard College feature | Subclass feature |
| 7 | — | Countercharm |
| 8 | Ability Score Improvement | Ability Score Improvement |
| 9 | Song of Rest (d8) | Expertise |
| 10 | Bardic Inspiration (d10), Expertise, Magical Secrets | Magical Secrets |
| 11 | — | — |
| 12 | Ability Score Improvement | Ability Score Improvement |
| 13 | Song of Rest (d10) | — |
| 14 | Magical Secrets, Bard College feature | Subclass feature |
| 15 | Bardic Inspiration (d12) | — |
| 16 | Ability Score Improvement | Ability Score Improvement |
| 17 | Song of Rest (d12) | — |
| 18 | Magical Secrets | Superior Inspiration |
| 19 | Ability Score Improvement | Epic Boon |
| 20 | Superior Inspiration | Words of Creation |
Bard class features in the 2024 rules (SRD 5.2)
As a bard, you gain these class features when you reach the listed Bard levels. They are listed in level order.
Level 1: Bardic Inspiration
You can supernaturally inspire others through words, music, or dance. This inspiration is represented by your Bardic Inspiration die, which is a d6.
Using Bardic Inspiration. As a Bonus Action, you can inspire another creature within 60 feet of yourself who can see or hear you. That creature gains one of your Bardic Inspiration dice. A creature can have only one Bardic Inspiration die at a time.
Once within the next hour when the creature fails a D20 Test, the creature can roll the Bardic Inspiration die and add the number rolled to the d20, potentially turning the failure into a success. A Bardic Inspiration die is expended when it's rolled.
Number of Uses. You can confer a Bardic Inspiration die a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest.
At Higher Levels. Your Bardic Inspiration die changes when you reach certain Bard levels, as shown in the Bardic Die column of the Bard Features table. The die becomes a d8 at level 5, a d10 at level 10, and a d12 at level 15.
Level 1: Spellcasting
You have learned to cast spells through your bardic arts. See "Spells" for the rules on spellcasting. The information below details how you use those rules with Bard spells, which appear in the Bard spell list later in the class's description.
Cantrips. You know two cantrips of your choice from the Bard spell list. Dancing Lights and Vicious Mockery are recommended.
Whenever you gain a Bard level, you can replace one of your cantrips with another cantrip of your choice from the Bard spell list.
When you reach Bard levels 4 and 10, you learn another cantrip of your choice from the Bard spell list, as shown in the Cantrips column of the Bard Features table.
Spell Slots. The Bard Features table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your level 1+ spells. You regain all expended slots when you finish a Long Rest.
Prepared Spells of Level 1+. You prepare the list of level 1+ spells that are available for you to cast with this feature. To start, choose four level 1 spells from the Bard spell list. Charm Person, Color Spray, Dissonant Whispers, and Healing Word are recommended.
The number of spells on your list increases as you gain Bard levels, as shown in the Prepared Spells column of the Bard Features table. Whenever that number increases, choose additional spells from the Bard spell list until the number of spells on your list matches the number on the table. The chosen spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots.
For example, if you're a level 3 Bard, your list of prepared spells can include six spells of levels 1 and 2 in any combination.
If another Bard feature gives you spells that you always have prepared, those spells don't count against the number of spells you can prepare with this feature, but those spells otherwise count as Bard spells for you.
Changing Your Prepared Spells. Whenever you gain a Bard level, you can replace one spell on your list with another Bard spell for which you have spell slots.
Spellcasting Ability. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for your Bard spells.
Spellcasting Focus. You can use a Musical Instrument as a Spellcasting Focus for your Bard spells.
Level 2: Expertise
You gain Expertise (see "Rules Glossary") in two of your skill proficiencies of your choice. Performance and Persuasion are recommended if you have proficiency in them.
At Bard level 9, you gain Expertise in two more of your skill proficiencies of your choice.
Level 2: Jack of All Trades
You can add half your Proficiency Bonus (round down) to any ability check you make that uses a skill proficiency you lack and that doesn't otherwise use your Proficiency Bonus.
For example, if you make a Strength (Athletics) check and lack Athletics proficiency, you can add half your Proficiency Bonus to the check.
Level 3: Bard Subclass
You gain a Bard subclass of your choice. A subclass is a specialization that grants you features at certain Bard levels. For the rest of your career, you gain each of your subclass's features that are of your Bard level or lower.
Level 4: Ability Score Improvement
You gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Bard levels 8, 12, and 16.
Level 5: Font of Inspiration
You now regain all your expended uses of Bardic Inspiration when you finish a Short or Long Rest.
In addition, you can expend a spell slot (no action required) to regain one expended use of Bardic Inspiration.
Level 7: Countercharm
You can use musical notes or words of power to disrupt mind-influencing effects. If you or a creature within 30 feet of you fails a saving throw against an effect that applies the Charmed or Frightened condition, you can take a Reaction to cause the save to be rerolled, and the new roll has Advantage.
Level 10: Magical Secrets
You've learned secrets from various magical traditions. Whenever you reach a Bard level (including this level) and the Prepared Spells number in the Bard Features table increases, you can choose any of your new prepared spells from the Bard, Cleric, Druid, and Wizard spell lists, and the chosen spells count as Bard spells for you (see a class's section for its spell list). In addition, whenever you replace a spell prepared for this class, you can replace it with a spell from those lists.
Level 18: Superior Inspiration
When you roll Initiative, you regain expended uses of Bardic Inspiration until you have two if you have fewer than that.
Level 19: Epic Boon
You gain an Epic Boon feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. Boon of Spell Recall is recommended.
Level 20: Words of Creation
You have mastered two of the Words of Creation: the words of life and death. You therefore always have the Power Word Heal and Power Word Kill spells prepared. When you cast either spell, you can target a second creature with it if that creature is within 10 feet of the first target.
Common questions
How does Bardic Inspiration work?
As a bonus action, choose a creature other than yourself within 60 feet who can hear you. It gains a Bardic Inspiration die, and once in the next 10 minutes it can roll the die and add it to one ability check, attack roll or saving throw, after seeing the d20 but before the DM says whether it succeeds.
Can a bard use Bardic Inspiration on themselves?
No. The 2014 rules say a creature other than yourself, and the 2024 rules say another creature.
What is Magical Secrets?
In the 2014 rules, at 10th, 14th and 18th level you learn two spells from any class’s list, and they count as bard spells for you. In 2024, from level 10 your new prepared spells can come from the Bard, Cleric, Druid and Wizard lists.
Does Jack of All Trades work on initiative?
Yes. Initiative is a Dexterity check, so a bard who isn’t otherwise adding proficiency to it adds half the proficiency bonus.
How many spells does a bard know?
In the 2014 rules, 4 at 1st level rising to 22 at 20th, as the bard table shows. The 2024 bard prepares spells instead: 4 at level 1 and 22 at level 20.
What changed for the bard in 2024?
Spells are prepared, Expertise comes at level 2, Song of Rest is gone, Countercharm (level 7) lets you reroll a failed save against charm or fear with advantage, Superior Inspiration moves to level 18 and Words of Creation is the new capstone.
The bard compared with similar classes
| Class | How it compares |
|---|---|
| Sorcerer | Also a Charisma full caster, with fewer skills and far more raw spell power through Metamagic. |
| Warlock | Charisma caster with few slots that return on a short rest, and a strong attack cantrip in Eldritch Blast. |
| Cleric | The other main support caster: better healing and armor, fewer skills. |
| Rogue | The other skill expert: Expertise and Reliable Talent instead of spells. |
How to build a bard
Open the builder, choose the 2014 or 2024 rules on the first step, then pick Bard as your class. It fills in your hit points, saving throws and proficiencies, then walks you through race, bard college, ability scores, background, skills, equipment and spells. Everything the rules can work out is computed for you: Armor Class from your armor, attack bonuses, spell save DC and every skill modifier.
Other classes: Artificer · Barbarian · Cleric · Druid · Fighter · Monk · Paladin · Ranger · Rogue · Sorcerer · Warlock · Wizard