Bardic Performance as a Standard, Move and / or Swift Action

[Marc Radle]

The bard's Bardic Performance ability is normally a standard action.

At 7th level, a bard can start a bardic performance as a move action instead of a standard action. At 13th level, a bard can start a bardic performance as a swift action.

Is there an official rule somewhere that says if you can still use the 'lesser' action type if you want? I.e., can a 13th level bard still start a bardic performance as a standard or move action instead of as a swift, or *must* he use the swift action?

If there is no OFFICIAL rule on this, maybe we can click the FAQ link ...

[Chess Pwn]

it's the use of the word CAN, no where does it say you're losing any previous abilities or MUST use a certain action.

[James Risner]

No official answer, very unlikely we will get one.

Most people allow swift, move, or standard once you reach 13th. I don't think there is a lot of confusion on this, but I'm sure some tables are confused. If so, they can Ask their GM.