Bard song levels vs. Instrument training levels?

[Ninjerk]

I see that there is at least 1 stringed instrument song I can buy whose required level is 2, but I can't train stringed instruments until 8. Does this mean I can't use it at all until level 8, or that I can use it but I can't improve that skill until level 8? HALP :eek:

[Daldaen]

The instrument won't modify the song until 8.

[Ninjerk]

But I can still play it for some small effect?

[rajax]

Songs that list an instrument type can be sung/casted without the instrument equipped. With some exceptions- invis song requires a wind instrument to be equipped for example.

Singing the song without the instrument will only improve your singing skill not the instrument skill. Most vender sold instruments will double the song's effect. So by singing the level 2 chords of dissonance alone you will get 2 points of magic DoT effect which will be doubled when you can use a lute at level 8 plus the increase in base damage from your higher level.

One thing to keep in mind is that although you can sing these songs without instruments the base chance to fizzle/miss a note is based on the instrument skill not your singing skill. Every new song at each new level has a higher chance of failing so it is important to max those instrument skills when they become available or else you will waste a lot of time failing to get songs to work.

At least that was how it worked back in ye Olden era when I barded it up, could be different in p1999.