Bard's Guitar Location in The Forge

Bard's guitar in The Forge is located in the Bard's Workshop, which sits in the upper-left corner of the map. You reach it by heading north from the main forge area, then turning left at the first opportunity. The guitar itself rests on a wooden stand near the back wall of the workshop, beside a workbench covered with musical tools and half-finished instruments.

The workshop is not locked, and you can enter freely once you have access to the upper portion of the map. The guitar is a pickup item — you can grab it directly without needing to complete any tasks first. However, picking it up triggers a short scene with Bard, so be prepared for dialogue when you take it.

Key Takeaways

  • Bard's guitar sits on a wooden stand in the Bard's Workshop, located in the upper-left section of The Forge map.
  • The workshop is accessible without keys or special items once you reach the northern area of the forge.
  • Taking the guitar triggers a scene with Bard, so you will not pick it up silently.
  • The guitar is a story item tied to Bard's questline, so grabbing it moves that plot forward.

How to Navigate to the Workshop

From the main forge entrance, head straight north past the central anvil and furnace. You will pass several workstations and storage areas. Continue until you reach a corridor that branches to the left — this is where the workshop entrance is. The door is marked with a small musical note symbol above the frame, making it straightforward to spot.

If you are coming from the eastern side of the forge, go west along the upper hallway until you see the musical note marker. The workshop sits at the end of that path. There are no enemies or obstacles blocking the route, so you can walk straight there without combat.

What Happens When You Pick Up the Guitar

When you interact with the guitar, Bard appears in the workshop and speaks to you about the instrument. This conversation is part of his character arc and unlocks dialogue options later in the game. The scene is brief — usually under a minute — and you regain control when ready after.

Once you have taken the guitar, it becomes part of your inventory. You can carry it with you, drop it, or use it in specific scenes where Bard needs it. The game tracks whether you have obtained it, so returning to the workshop afterward shows an empty stand.

Common Mistakes When Finding the Guitar

The most frequent error is heading too far east or south from the main forge area. Players often explore the furnace rooms and storage vaults first, which are in the opposite direction. If you find yourself in a dead-end room with only ore and coal, backtrack and head north instead.

Another common issue is missing the musical note marker above the door. The symbol is small and blends into the wooden frame, especially on lower brightness settings. If you reach the northern corridor and do not see a marked door, adjust your game brightness or look more carefully at the doorframes along the left wall.

Alternative Routes if You Get Lost

If you cannot find the workshop from the main entrance, try entering The Forge from the eastern gate instead. This path takes you directly into the upper section of the map, cutting out the central forge area entirely. From there, the workshop is only a short walk west.

You can also use the map screen to orient yourself. The Bard's Workshop is labeled on the full map once you have discovered it, and a waypoint marker appears if you have unlocked that feature. If the marker is not visible, you have not yet entered the workshop — this means you are still in the right direction but have not reached the door yet.

Why Bard's Guitar Matters to the Story

The guitar is not just a collectible item — it is central to Bard's personal quest and his relationship with other characters in The Forge. Obtaining it unlocks new dialogue branches and opens up side missions that would otherwise remain hidden. Some players miss these quests entirely because they never pick up the guitar.

The guitar also has minor mechanical uses in certain puzzle rooms later in the game. While you do not need it to progress through the main story, having it in your inventory before you reach those areas saves you from backtracking. It is worth grabbing early rather than waiting until you stumble across a locked door that requires it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pick up Bard's guitar before meeting Bard?

Yes. The guitar is available as soon as you can reach the workshop, regardless of whether you have encountered Bard elsewhere in the game. However, picking it up triggers his appearance, so you will meet him when ready after taking it.

What if I already passed the workshop and did not take the guitar?

You can return to the workshop at any point in the game. The guitar remains on its stand until you interact with it. There is no time limit or quest important date that removes it, so you can grab it whenever you want.

Does the guitar take up inventory space?

The guitar counts as a story item and occupies one inventory slot. If your inventory is full, you will need to drop or store something else before you can pick it up. Story items cannot be sold or discarded permanently, so do not worry about losing it.

Is the Bard's Workshop dangerous?

No. The workshop is a safe area with no enemies or traps. You can explore it freely and take your time reading the notes and examining the instruments without risk of combat.