How Could I: The Cynical Sphere

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The Cynical Sphere

Official Tablature Series

8. How Could I

CYNIC - Focus

Guitar/Bass/Keyboard
Tablature & Notation
Transcribed by:
Jeff Litvak
www.cynicalsphere.com

GUITAR TABLATURE:
Gtr. I - Paul Masvidal (distortion)
Gtr. II - Jason Gobel (distortion)
Gtr. III - Paul Masvidal (clean tone)
Gtr. IV – Paul Masvidal (lead harmony/2nd rhythm)

BASS TABLATURE:
Gtr. I - Sean Malone (fretless bass)
Gtr. II - Keyboard (synth bass)
HOW COULD I
As recorded by Cynic
(From the 1993 Album FOCUS)
Transcribed by Jeff Litvak Words by Paul Masvidal
(www.cynicalsphere.com) Music by Cynic
Arranged by Cynic

x
A5VII 7 fr. Adim9 6 fr.
x xx
Dm 5 fr. Dsus2 5 fr. Dsus 5 fr.
x xx x xx x xx
G7 5 fr. Dsus2/B 5 fr.
x xx x
` A5 5 fr.
xxx
F5
xxx
`
B 5 6 fr.
xxx x
`
D 5 5 fr. Fsus2 5 fr.
xx x xx

`
E maj7 5 fr. F5/E 5 fr. Gsus2 7 fr. Am 5 5 fr. b Bdim7 6 fr. `
E/A 4 fr. Am/9 5 fr. C5 8 fr. b
G 5 4 fr. b
C6 Dm6 G5 3 fr.
x xx x x x x xx xx x x xx x xxx xxx x xx 8 fr. x xx 9 fr. xxx

E6 ` `
B 5(type 2) Asus2V 5 fr. G5V 5 fr. B ` A Aaug 5 fr. A7 5 fr. G6 5 fr. A11sus 5 fr.
x x x 10 fr. xxxx 7 fr. xxx xx x xx x 5 fr. xx x 5 fr. xx x xx x xx x

TUNING: (E, A, D, G, B, E)

A Intro: (Keyboard)
P = 219
N.C.
1 H e 44
Gtr II

T
A
B
* SEE BASS TRANSCRIPTION FOR DETAILS OF THE KEYBOARD PART

A5VII
UUU UUU UUU UUU
U U U U
5 He U U U U
Gtr II Jason Gobel - (Right Channel)
GK 0 (0) (0) (0)
T KK109 (10)
(9)
(10)
(9)
(10)
(9)
A KK 70 (7)
(0)
(7)
(0)
(7)
(0)
B
* CLEAN TONE - JASON ONLY DOES THIS IN THE LIVE VERSION

©1993 The All Blacks BV


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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 2 of 38

A5VII

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
9
Ie V V V V V V V V
Gtr III Paul Masvidal - (Left Channel)
P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 6 6 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 5 5 8 8
B
* CLEAN TONE THROUGH ROLAND GM-70 GUITAR-TO-MIDI CONVERTER WITH E-MU PROTEUS SOUND MODULE
UUU UUU UUU UUU
e
I U U U U
U U U U
Gtr II
GK 0 (0) (0) (0)
T KK109 (10)
(9)
(10)
(9)
(10)
(9)
A KK 70 (7)
(0)
(7)
(0)
(7)
(0)
B

A5VII

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
13
Ie V V V V V V V V
P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 6 6 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 5 5 8 8
B

UUU UUU UUU UUU


e
I U U U U
U U U U
GK 0 (0) (0) (0)
T KK109 (10)
(9)
(10)
(9)
(10)
(9)
A KK 70 (7)
(0)
(7)
(0)
(7)
(0)
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 3 of 38

A5VII
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
17
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
P.M.

T
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 10 10 9 9
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

UUU UUU UUU UUU


e
I U U U U
U U U U
GK 0 (0) (0) (0)
T KK109 (10)
(9)
(10)
(9)
(10)
(9)
A KK 70 (7)
(0)
(7)
(0)
(7)
(0)
B

Adim9
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
21
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
P.M.

T
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 10 10 9 9
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

UUU UUU VVV V V U


Ie U U V
U U V
GK 6 (6) (6)
let ring
6
T KK109 (10)
(9)
(10)
(9)
10
9
A KK 70 (7)
(0)
(7)
(0)
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 4 of 38

B Lead In
P = 216 `
Dm Dsus2 Dsus G7 Dsus2/B

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
25
Ie V V V V V V V V
Gtr I
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 6 6 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 5 5 8 8
B
* DISTORTION

WW VV WW VV WW
Ie V V V V W V V V V VVV VVV
V V W V W V
Gtr II P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 (6) 5 8 6 5 (5)
A 7 (7) 7 7 7 7 (7)
0 0 0 0 (0) 0 0 5 5 5 5 8 8 8 8 8 (8)
B
* DISTORTION sl.

Dm Dsus2 Dsus G7 ` Dsus2/B

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
29
Ie V V V V V V
V V V V V V

P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 5 5 8 8
B

WW VV WW VV W
Ie V V V V WW V V V V VVV VVV
V V W V W V
P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 (6) 5 8 6 5 (5)
A 7 (7) 7 7 7 7 (7)
0 0 0 0 (0) 0 0 5 5 5 5 8 8 8 8 8 (8)
B
sl.

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 5 of 38

P = 214
A5 F5
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
33
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 10 10 9 9
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

Ie WW WW VV WW UU
V V V W W V V V V W U
P.M. P.M.

T
A 7 (7) (7) 3 (3)
B 7 (7) (7) 3 (3)
5 5 5 5 (5) (5) 1 1 1 1 (1)
sl.

` B5 N.C.

V V V V V V V V R V V
37
Ie V V V V V V V V P V V V V W
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. [[[[[[[[[[[
T 10
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 10
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 10 12 10 9
B 10
sl. sl. sl.

Ie W UU V V V
V V V WW U V V V W
P.M. P.M. P.M. [[[[[[[[[[[
T
A 7
8 (8) 8
B 8 (8) 8 10 8 7
6 6 6 6 (6) 8

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 6 of 38

C Verse I
P` = 158 `
D5 Fsus2 E maj7 F5/E

e V V V V V V V
41
Ie e VV V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V VV VVVVVVVV V VVVVVV V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 5
A 7 5 7 8 7 5 5 0
6 6 6 5 5
B 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
H P P P
"How could I forget such a revelation..." "To love without fear and learn without question..."

e V V V V V V V V
Ie e VV V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V VV VVVVVVVV V VVVVVV
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 5 5
A 7 5 7 8 7 5 5
6 6 6 5 5
B 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
H P P

Gsus2 N.C. Gsus2 N.C. Am 5 b


e gVVV
45
Ie V V V V V V V V VVVVV VVVVVVV V V V V V V V V V VVVVV V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6
A 7 7 7 7 5
7 5 8 8 7 7 8 8 7 5 7 5 8 7 5 7
B 10 10 8 5 6 6 6 6 6 10 10 8 5 7 7 7 7 7
sl. P sl.

e gVV
Ie V V V V V V
V V V V V V V V gV V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V gV
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6
A 5
3
B 5 6 6 5 5 6 6 5 3 5 5 6 5 3
8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5
P

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 7 of 38

`
D5 Fsus2 `
E maj7 F5/E

e V V V V V V V
49
Ie e VV V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V VV VVVVVVVV V VVVVVV V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 5
A 7 5 7 8 7 0 5 0
6 6 6 5 5
B 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
H P P P
"How could I regret the meant occasions..." "I must begin this day again..."

e V V V V V V V
Ie e VV V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V VV VVVVVVVV V VVVVVV V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 5
A 7 5 7 8 7 5 5 0
6 6 6 5 5
B 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
H P P P

Gsus2 N.C. Gsus2 N.C. Am 5 b


e gVVV
53
Ie V V V V V V V V VVVVVV VVVVVV V V V V V V V V V VVVVV V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6
A 7 7 7 7 5
7 5 8 8 7 7 8 8 7 5 7 5 8 7 5 7
B 10 10 8 5 6 6 6 6 6 10 10 8 5 7 7 7 7 7
sl. P sl.

e gVV
Ie V V V V V V
V V V V V V V gV V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V gV
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6
A 5
3
B 5 6 6 5 5 6 6 5 3 5 5 6 5 3
8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5
P

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 8 of 38

D Pre-Chorus
P = 157 `
Bdim7 E/A Am/9

f W fV V V V V V V V
57
If gWWW V V V V V Ve f VVV e V V V V VVV
fV V V V V V V W gV V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 5
A 7 4 5 5
6 6 6 9 9 9 9 9
B 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 4 4 4 4 4 4 5
"Freedom and reason shine through..."

f W
If gWWW V V V V V Ve f VVV e V V V V VVV V V V V V V V VV
fV V V V V V V W gV
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6
A 7 4
6 6 6 7 7 7 7
B 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 4 4 4 4 4 4

Bdim7 E/A `

60 V V V V V V V WW V V V V V V V
I gWW V V V V
V W
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 5 5 6 6 5
A 5 5 7 4 9 7
9 9 6 3 2 7 7
B 8 7 5
5 7
sl. sl.
sl. "Paddle upon the clouds one's own canoe..."

WW
I V V V V V V gWW e VV VV
V WW W V V V V V V V V eV V V V V
P.M.
let ring [[[[[[ P.M. P.M.

T 6
A 7
9 9 7 6 6 6
B 7 7 7 8 8 7 7
5 7 7 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 9 of 38

E Chorus 1
P = 151 b
Am/9 C5 A5 G 5 C5 Am/9

63 V V V V V V V gV V gV V gV V gV V V V V V V V V V V
I V V V V V V gV V
V V
Gtr III P.M. P.M.
4 8
T 5 5 5 9 9 5
A 5 5 5 6 6 10 10 5 5 5
9 9 9 9 9 9
B 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8 5
* CLEAN TONE "How could I..."

cl c
I VV VV V gVc l j j VV l UU
V V V V V V VVggVV V U
Gtrs I, II P.M. P.M.

T
A 7 10 7 6 10 7
B 7 10 7 6 10 7
5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8 5

b P = 155 b
C5 A5 G 5 C5 C6 Dm6
c
gV V gV gV V V V V V VV j
67
I VVV ggVV} VV
V V V gV V gV V V V V V V V V} V V V V V V V V V V V V V}
Gtr I
P.M. P.M. [[[[[ P.M. P.M. P.M.
4 8
T 5 9 9
A 6 6 10 10 10 10 10
8 8 9
B x x x
8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 101010101010101010
sl.
* DISTORTION
c
gVV VV VV j
I V V VVV VV ggVV V V V V V V g } } V V V V V V V V V V V V V}
V V V gV VV VV ggVV VV V V V V V V gV V V V V V V V V
Gtr II
P.M. P.M. [[[[[P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 10 10 10
10 7 6 8 8 9
B 10 7 6 6 6 6 6 10 10 10 10 10 10 x x x
8 8 8 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 101010101010101010

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 10 of 38

F Verse II
P` = 154 `
D5 Fsus2 E maj7 F5/E

e V V V V V V V
71
Ie e VV V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V VV VVVVVVVV V VVVVVV V
Gtrs I, II
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 5
A 7 5 7 8 7 5 5 0
6 6 6 5 5
B 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
H P P P
"Humility take charge of me..."
D`5 E`maj7
"Drown me in truth's modest waters..."
Fsus2 F5/E

e V V V V V V V
75
Ie e VV V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V VV VVVVVVVV V VVVVVV V
Gtr I
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 5
A 7 5 7 8 7 5 5 0
6 6 6 5 5
B 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
H P P P
"Loosen your grip, identity..." "Free me from an ego's falter..."

e VV VV VV VV VV VV VV
Ie e VV V V V V V V VVV VVV VVV VVV V V V V V V V VVV VVV VVV VVV VVVVVVVVV V V V V V V V V V V VV VV VV

Gtr II
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 6 6
A 7 7 7 7 5 5 5 5 7 8 7 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
B 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
sl.

P = 156 b
Gsus2 N.C. Gsus2 N.C. Am 5

e gVV
79
Ie V V V V V V V V VVVVV VVVVVVV V V V V V V V V V VVVVV V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6
A 7 7 7 7 5
7 5 8 8 7 7 8 8 7 5 7 5 8 7 5 7
B 10 10 8 5 6 6 6 6 6 10 10 8 5 7 7 7 7 7
sl. P sl.

e gVV
Ie V V V V V V
V V V V V V V gV V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V gV
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6
A 5
3
B 5 6 6 5 5 6 6 5 3 5 5 6 5 3
8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 3 3 3 5 5 5 5 5
P

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 11 of 38

G Transition
P = 151 ` b ` b
C5 B5 G5 G5 C5 B5 G5 A5 Am 5

e V V V gVVV
83
Ie V V V V V V V V gV
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
u u
P.M. P.M. [[[[[[[ P.M. P.M. [[[[[[[ P.M.

T 6
A 7 7 7 7 5
7 7 5 8 7 8 7 5 7 7 5 8 7 5 7
B 10 8 5 6 10 8 5 7
sl. sl.

e c c gVV
Ie VVV VV VV gggVVV V f V gV f V V
VV
V
VV VV VV V V V gV
V V V V V
P.M. P.M.

T 6
A 5
10 8 5 6 10 8 5 7 3
B 10 8 5 6 6 5 6 5 3 10 8 5 7 6 5 3
8 6 3 4 8 6 3 5

H Chorus 1
P = 156 ` P = 150 b
Bdim7 E/A Am/9 C5 A5 G 5

If
f W
gWWW fV V V V V V V gV V gV
V V V V V eVf VVV e V V V V VVV
87

fV V V V V V V W gV V V V V V V V gV
P.M. P.M. P.M. Gtr III P.M. P.M.
4
T 6 5 5
A 7 4 5 5 5 6
6 6 6 9 9 9
B 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4
"Freedom and reason shine through..." * CLEAN TONE

cl
If
f W
W VV V gVc l j
gW
f V V V V V V V WW V V V V V eVf VVV e V V V V VVV VV
V V V V V V VVggVV
gV
P.M. P.M. P.M. Gtrs I, II P.M. P.M.

T 6
A 7 4
6 6 6 7 10 7 6
B 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 10 7 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 12 of 38

C5 A5 C5 A5 G 5 b C5

91
V gV V gV V V V V V V V V V V gV V gV V V V V V V
I V V V V V V V gV V
V
Gtr I
P.M. [[[[
8 4 8
T 5 9 9 5 5 5 9 9
A 6 10 10 5 5 5 6 10 10
9 9 9
B 8 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8
sl.
"How could I..." * DISTORTION
c
I j VV l
V
UU VV V gV
V V V V V VVggVV VV VV ggVV VV VV VV VV VV VV VV
U
Gtr II
P.M. P.M. [[[[P.M.
T
A 10 7 10 7 6
B 10 7 10 7 6 6 6 6 6 10 10 10 10 10 10
8 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 8 8 8 8 8 8

I Chorus 2
P = 144 b
Am/9 C5 A5 G5 C5

95 V V V V V V V gV V gV V gV V gV V V V
I V V V V V V gV V
V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.
4 8
T 5 5 5 9 9
A 5 5 5 6 6 10 10
9 9 9
B 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8
sl.
"Love..." "If I am harsh..." "And unkind to..."

I V V V V gV gV gV f V V V
V V V V V V V gV gV V gV V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. let ring P.M. let ring

T
A 9 7 10 9 6 6 10 10
B 7 9 9 6 10
5 5 5 8 7 4 4 4 8 8 8

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 13 of 38

Am/9 C5 A5 G5b C5

98 V V V V V V V gV V gV V gV V gV V V V
I V V V V V V gV V
V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.
4 8
T 5 5 5 9 9
A 5 5 5 6 6 10 10
9 9 9
B 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8
sl.
"Myself, so I share these..."

I VV VV V V gV V gVV gVV VV V f V VVV V VVV VVV


V VVV VVV VV V V V gV gV g
V V gV V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 7 10 9 6 6 6 10 10 10
B 7 7 9 9 6 6 6 6 10 8 10 10
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 7 4 4 4 4 4 8 8 8 8 8

Am/9 C5 A5 G5b C5

101 V V V V V V V gV V gV V gV V gV V V V
I V V V V V V gV V
V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.
4 8
T 5 5 5 9 9
A 5 5 5 6 6 10 10
9 9 9
B 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8
sl.
"Attitudes with..." "You, must I try..."

I VV VV V V gV gV VV f W
W
V VVV VVV VVVV V V gV V Vg VV V V VVW
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 7 10 9 6 (6) 10
B 7 7 9 9 6 (6) 10
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 7 4 4 4 4 (4) 8 8 8 8

J Bridge
P = 147 b `
C6 Dm6 E6

VV VV
104
e gV
Ie gV V Vg VV} V V V
VV f VV} VV
V V V V} V V V V V} V V V V
V V} V V V V VVVVVVVVV VVV V V}
Gtrs I, II
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 10 10 10 10 12 12
8 8 9 9 10 10
B x x x x x x
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11
"How could I..."

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 14 of 38

K Transition: (Keyboard)
P = 222
N.C.

l V V V V
107
Ie U U W V V
U U W gV V 6

Gtr I Gtr I

T 8 10
A 7 9
B 7 (7) (7) 7 10
0 (0) (0) 4 5
H H H
* SEE BASS TRANSRIPTION FOR DETAILS ON THE KEYBOARD PART sl.
* SEE PERFORMANCE NOTES

V V V V
Ie U l V V
U W gV V
U U W 6

Gtr II Gtr IV

T 15 17
A 14 16
B 7 (7) (7) 14 17
0 (0) (0) 11 12
H H H
sl.

L Lead 1: (Paul Masvidal)


P = 224
W V V V V V V Vl V V V V V V V V V V V
k V V V gV V
111
Ie u u v
6 6 6
1 1
M
1/2 1 2 1/2
7 10 12 (12) 10 7
T 12 (12) (12) (12) 10 12 7 10 12 (12) 10 7
A 7 10 12
B
P H H H H P P P H P P

gW V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
V gV V V V V V V
Ie
u u vl k V
6 6 6
1 1
M
1/2 1 2 1/2
12 15 18 (18) 15 12
T 19 (19) (19) (19) 17 17 12 15 17 (17) 15 12
A 12 15 18
B
P H H H H P P P H P P sl.

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 15 of 38

V V V V V V V V V j
115
Ie u V V V gV V W V
M
Full [[[[[[[[[ A.H.
M
Full

T O 8 (8) (8)
O
A 9 (9) (9) 7
9 (9) 7 (7)
B 9 (9) 7
P P sl. sl. P
G

V V V V gV V V V V V j
Ie u V V V V W V
u
M
Full [[[[[[[[[ A.H.
M
Full

T
12
O
(12) (12) 10 7 (7) (7)
O
A 11 (11) 9 7 (7)
B 7
P sl. sl. D

V VVVVV V V VVVVV VVV VV VV V V V W


VVV VVV V VV
VVVVV
V
119
Ie 7 7 7 VV V 3

6 [[[[[[[[[[
12 15 17 12 15 17(17)15 12
T 17 12 15 17 15 12 12 15 17 15 12
A 12 15 17 12 15 17 12 16 17 16 14
12 15 17
B 12 15 17
12 15
H H H H H H H H P P P H P P H H H H H H P H
H

V VVVVV V V VVVVV VVV V V V V gV V V gW


VgV V VVV V VV
VVVVV
V
Ie 7 7 7 VV V 3

6 [[[[[[[[[[
17 20 22 17 20 22(22)20 17
T 22 17 20 22 20 17 17 20 22 20 17
A 17 20 22 17 20 22 17 20 21 20 18
17 20 22
B 17 20 22
17 20
H H H H H H H H P P P H H P P H H H H H H P H
H

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 16 of 38

B`5 (type 2)

V V V V gV V V V V V W
V l V gV V V V gV V v V V u
k V V k
123
Ie V u
Gtr I [[[[ |-SWEEP-| M
Full
O[[[[[[[[
19 (19) 17 19 21 19 17 22 (22) 22
T 16 (16) 17 19 20 18
A 14 19
14 17 19
B 14 17
sl. H P

V V gV V V V V V V V W
gV V V V gV gV gV V vk V V V u
Ie k V gV V u l
Gtr IV [[[[ |-SWEEP-|
M
Full
O[[[[[[[[
17 (17) 14 17 (17) 15 18 (18) 18
T 13 (13) 14 16 17 17 17
A 11 17
11 14 16 19
B 14
12
H P
3
Ie VV VV VV
Gtr II P.M.

T
A
B 8 8 8
7 7 7

M Pre-Chorus
P = 168 ` P = 162
Bdim7 E/A Am/9

WW V V V V V V VV
127
If gW V V V V V V e VVV e V V V V VVV
V V V V V V V WW gV V
Gtr I
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 5
A 7 4 5 5
6 6 6 9 9 9 9 9
B 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 4 4 4 4 4 4 5
"Freedom and reason shine through..."

W
If gWWW V V V V V V e VVV e V V V V VVV V V V V V V V VV
V VVVVVVW gV
Gtr II
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6
A 7 4
6 6 6 7 7 7 7
B 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 4 4 4 4 4 4

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 17 of 38

P = 156 `
Bdim7 E/A

V V V V W V V V
130
I V V V gWWW V V V V V V
V
V
V W
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 5 5 6 6 5
A 5 5 7 4 9 7
9 9 6 3 2 7 7
B 8 7 5
5 7
sl. sl.
"Paddle upon the clouds one's own canoe..."

W
I V V V V V V gWWW e VV VV
V WW W V V V V V V V V eV V V V V
P.M.
let ring [[[[[[ P.M. P.M.

T 6
A 7
9 9 7 6 6 6
B 7 7 7 8 8 7 7
5 7 7 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4

N Chorus 1
A5 C5 b A5 G5 C5
c l c c
133 V
I V VV VV ggVV j l j VV l
V V V V V V V gV V
Gtrs I, II P.M. P.M.

T
A 7 10 7 6 10
B 7 10 7 6 10
5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8

P = 148 b
Asus2V C5 A5 G5 C5
V
V gV V gV V gV V gV Pz V V
136
I UU V
V V VV V V VV gV V
U
Gtr I P.M. P.M.
4 8 12
T 5 5 9 13
A 6 6 10 14
9 10 7
B 7 10 7
5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8
sl.

I UU VV V
U V V V V V VV gggVVV VV VV ggVV VV VV VV VV VV VV VV
Gtr II P.M. P.M. [[[[[[P.M.
T
A 7 10 7 6
B 7 10 7 6 6 6 6 6 10 10 10 10 10 10
5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 8 8 8 8 8 8

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 18 of 38

O Chorus 2
P = 145 b
Am/9 C5 A5 G5 C5

139 V V V V V V V gV V gV V gV V gV V V V
I V V V V V V gV V
V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.
4 8
T 5 5 5 9 9
A 5 5 5 6 6 10 10
9 9 9
B 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8
"Love too often is only a dream..."

I V V V V gV gV gV gVV V f V V V V VVV
V V V V V V V gV gV V gV
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 7 10 9 6 6 6 10 10 10
B 7 9 9 6 6 10 10
5 5 5 8 7 4 4 4 8 8 8

Am/9 C5 A5 G5b C5

142 V V V V V V V gV V gV V gV V gV V V V
I V V V V V V gV V
V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.
4 8
T 5 5 5 9 9
A 5 5 5 6 6 10 10
9 9 9
B 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8
"How Could I..."

I V V V V gV gV gV gVV V f V V V V VVV
V V V V V V V gV gV V gV
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 7 10 9 6 6 6 10 10 10
B 7 9 9 6 6 10 10
5 5 5 8 7 4 4 4 8 8 8

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 19 of 38

P = 139 b
Am/9 C5 A5 G5 C5

145 V V V V V V V gV V gV V gV V gV V V V
I V V V V V V gV V
V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.
4 8
T 5 5 5 9 9
A 5 5 5 6 6 10 10
9 9 9
B 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8
"Love..." "If I am harsh..." "And unkind to..."
c
I VV V V V gV gV VV f V
V VV
V V V V V V VV V V V V V V gV V Vg VV V V VVV V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 7 10 9 6 (6) 10 (10)
B 7 7 9 9 6 (6) 10 (10)
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 7 4 4 4 4 (4) 8 8 8 8 (8)
sl.

Am/9 C5 A5 b
G5 C5

148 V V V V V V V gV V gV V gV V gV V V V
I V V V V V V gV V
V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.
4 8
T 5 5 5 9 9
A 5 5 5 6 6 10 10
9 9 9
B 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8
"Myself so I share these..."

I VV VV V V gV gV V VV gVV
V VVV VVV VVVV V V gV V Vg VV gggVVV f
V VVV V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 7 10 9 6 6 10 10 9
B 7 7 9 9 6 6 10 10 9
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 7 4 4 4 4 4 8 8 8 8 8 7
sl.

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 20 of 38

Am/9 C5 A5 b
G5 C5

151 V V V V V V V gV V gV V gV V gV V V V
I V V V V V V gV V
V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.
4 8
T 5 5 5 9 9
A 5 5 5 6 6 10 10
9 9 9
B 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8
"Attitudes with you for in this..."

I VV VV V V gV V gVV VV gVV V V V f VVV V V V V VVV


V VVV VVV VV V V V g g
gV V V V V V gV V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 7 10 9 6 6 6 10 10
B 7 7 9 9 6 6 6 10 10
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 7 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

Am/9 C5 A5 b
G5 C5

154 V V V V V V V gV V gV V gV V gV V V V
I V V V V V V gV V
V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.
4 8
T 5 5 5 9 9
A 5 5 5 6 6 10 10
9 9 9
B 5 8 8 8 5 5 5 4 8
"Spewing cadence of my pride..."

I VV VV V V gV V gVV gVV V V V f VVV V V V V VVV


V VVV VVV VV V V V g g
gV V V V V V gV V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 7 10 9 6 6 10 10
B 7 7 9 9 6 6 10 10
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 7 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 21 of 38

P Transition
P = 141 P = 130
Dm6

VV VV R
e V V P V V
157
Ie gV V V V} V V V V V} V V V V V V P V V
P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
10 10 7 9 9 10 9
A 8 8
B x x 5 7 7 8 7
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
sl.
"How could I..."

e VV VV VV
Ie gV V V V} V V V V V} V V V V gV V V V V V V V V} V V V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 10 10 10
8 8 8
B x x x
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

Q Lead 2: (Jason Gobel)


P = 252
N.C.
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
V V V
159
Ie
Gtr II [[[[
T 18 17 18 18 17 18 20 18 17 18 17 18 18 17 18 20 18 17 18 18 17 18 17
A 16 15 14
19 20 19 19 20
B
P sl.
* SEE PERFORMANCE NOTES

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Ie V V V V V V V V
Gtrs I, IV
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 6 6 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 5 5 8 8
B
* PAUL FOLLOWS THE GUITAR 1 PART FOR THE REST OF THE SONG IN THE LIVE VERSION

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 22 of 38

P = 256
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
V V V V V V V
V V V V V V
163
Ie
18 17 18 20 18 20 17 17 22 20 22 22 22
T 18 17 18 18 17 18 18 17 18 20 18 20 20
A 19 17 19
20 19 20
B

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 10 10 9 9
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

P
V = 258 V V V W V V V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V V
u u
167
Ie
FullM O FullM O FullM OFullM O [[[[[[
22 22 22 22 (22) 22 22 20 18 17 18 17 17
T 18 20 22 20 20 22 20 18
A
B
H H P P sl. sl. P

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Ie V V V V V V
V V V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 5 5 8 8
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 23 of 38

P = 260
V V V V V
W V V V W V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
171
Ie 3

[[[[[[[[[[[[[
17 20 17 17 20 22 18 20 18
T 20 18 20 18 17 18 (18) 17 18 18 22
A 19 19
20 20
B
H P P P sl. H

V V V V V V V V
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 10 10 9 9
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

P = 262
Dm Dsus2 Dsus G7 G5V G7

W V V W V V V V V V V V V V V V P Vu PW
z
175
Ie lz
Gtr II
M
1/2 [[[[[[[[[ [[[[[[[[[[[[[[
20 18 18 17 18 17 17 1722
T 22 22 20 22 20 20 20 18 18 1822
A
B
P H P sl. sl.

W VV WW VV W VV VVV VV
Ie V V V V WW V W V V V V V WW V V V V

Gtr I
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 6 (6) 5 8 6 8 8 6
A 7 (7) 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 0 (0) 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8
B

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Ie V V V V V V V V
Gtr IV
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 6 6 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 5 5 8 8
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 24 of 38
Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` A Aaug A7 Aaug A

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V gV f V gV gV f V V V gV f V gV gV V f V V
V V
179
Ie
17 20 17 16 19 16
T 18 17 18 17 18 17 18 18 17 18 18 17 18 18 17 18 17 18 17 18 18 17 18 18 17 18
A
B

V WWW VVV VVV VVV VVV V


Ie VV V V gVVV gVVV V V VV ggVVV V V f WWW
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 5 6 5 (5) 6 5 5 6 8 6 5
A 7 7 7 (7) 7 7 6 6 6 6 6
8 8 8 (8) 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 10 10 9 9
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 25 of 38
V V
Dm Dsus G6 Dm/G G5 G7 G5 G7
V V V V V V V V V V VPV V V W VVV V W
u uz PV
183
Ie 3
z
[[[[[[[[[ [[[[[[[[[[[[[
15 13 17 15 13 17
T 15 15 17 15 151517 15 13 15 131513 12 13
1416
A
B
sl. sl. sl. sl. sl. HP sl.

WW VV VVV VV VVV WW VV VVV VV VV


e
I V V V V W V V W V V V V V
V V
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5 5
T 6 8 8 8 5 6 8 8 8 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8
B

e V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
I V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 5 5 8 8
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 26 of 38
Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` A Aaug A7 Aaug A
V gV
W V V V V W V gV f V V V gV f V V gV f V V gV V V V
187
Ie
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[
15
T 14 15
A (16) 14 14 12 14 (14) 13 12 14 13 12 13 12 14
14 14 13 14 13
B
sl. P sl.

V WWW VVV VVV VVV VVV V


Ie VV V V gVVV gVVV V V VV ggVVV V V f WWW
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 5 6 5 (5) 6 5 5 6 8 6 5
A 7 7 7 (7) 7 7 6 6 6 6 6
8 8 8 (8) 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 10 10 9 9
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 27 of 38

R Lead 2: (Synth Part)


P = 263
Dm Dsus2 Dsus G7 G5V G7
V V V V V V
191
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V W V V V
V V
3

5 6 8 6 5 5 5 8
T 6 8 8 6 5 6 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 5 5 8 7 5
B
P P H
* PLAYED THROUGH A ROLAND GS-50 GUITAR-TO-MIDI CONVERTER WITH AN E-MU PROTEUS SOUND MODULE

e V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
I V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 6 6 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 5 5 8 8
B

W VV WW VV W VV VVV VV
Ie V V V V WW V W V V V V V WW V V V V

P.M. P.M. P.M.


5
T 6 (6) 5 8 6 8 8 6
A 7 (7) 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 0 (0) 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 28 of 38
Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` A Aaug A7 Aaug A

V V V V V V V V V gV fV V
195
Ie W V V t q
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[
N.H. [[[[
T 18 17 (17)
A 14 12 14 14 12 14 14 12 14
7 5 7 [7] ([7])
B
sl. sl. sl.

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 10 10 9 9
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

V WWW VVV VVV VVV VVV V


Ie VV V V gVVV gVVV V V VV ggVVV V V f WWW
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 5 6 5 (5) 6 5 5 6 8 6 5
A 7 7 7 (7) 7 7 6 6 6 6 6
8 8 8 (8) 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 29 of 38

P = 260
Dm Dsus G6 G7 G5V G7
V V V V V V
199
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V W V V V
V V
3

5 6 8 6 5 5 5 8
T 6 8 8 6 5 6 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 5 5 8 7 5
B
P P H

e V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
I V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 5 5 8 8
B

W VV VVV VV VVV WW VV VVV VV VV


Ie V V V V WW V V V V W V V V V V

P.M. P.M. P.M.


5 5
T 6 8 8 8 5 6 8 8 8 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 30 of 38
Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` A Aaug A7 Aaug A

V V gV f V V gV f V V V
gV f V gV V V f V V
203
Ie W V V t q
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[
N.H.

5 8 5
T 6 5 6 5 6 5 6 6 5 6 6 5 6
A 7 5 7 [7] ([7])
B
sl.

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 10 10 9 9
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

V WWW VVV VVV VVV VVV V


Ie VV V V gVVV gVVV V V VV ggVVV V V f WWW
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 5 6 5 (5) 6 5 5 6 8 6 5
A 7 7 7 (7) 7 7 6 6 6 6 6
8 8 8 (8) 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 31 of 38

P = 258
Dm Dsus2 Dsus G7 G5V G7
V V V V V V
207
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V W V V V
V V
3

5 6 8 6 5 5 5 8
T 6 8 8 6 5 6 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 5 5 8 7 5
B
P P H

W VV WW VV W VV VVV VV
Ie V V V V WW V W V V V V V WW V V V V

P.M. P.M. P.M.


5
T 6 (6) 5 8 6 8 8 6
A 7 (7) 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 0 (0) 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8
B

e V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
I V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 6 6 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 5 5 8 8
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 32 of 38
Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` A Aaug A7 Aaug A

V V W V V gW fV V
211
Ie W V V t q u
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[
N.H. [[[[[[[ [[[[
T 18 17 (17)
A 14 12 14 14 (14)
7 5 7 [7] ([7])
B
sl. sl. sl.

V WWW VVV VVV VVV VVV VV


Ie VV V V gVVV gVVV V V V ggVVV V V f WWW
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 5 6 5 (5) 6 5 5 6 8 6 5
A 7 7 7 (7) 7 7 6 6 6 6 6
8 8 8 (8) 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 10 10 9 9
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B
Dm Dsus G6 G7 G5V G7
V V V V V V
215
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V W V V V
V V
3

5 6 8 6 5 5 5 8
T 6 8 8 6 5 6 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 5 5 8 7 5
B
P P H

W VV VVV VV VVV WW VV VVV VV VV


Ie V V V V WW V V V V W V V V V V

P.M. P.M. P.M.


5 5
T 6 8 8 8 5 6 8 8 8 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8
B

e V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
I V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 5 5 8 8
B
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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 33 of 38
Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` A Aaug A7 Aaug A
V V
V W V V V
219
Ie W V V t q u
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[
N.H. [[[[
T 18 (18)
A 12 (12) 14 (14) (14)
7 5 7 [7] ([7])
B
sl. sl. sl.

V WWW VVV VVV VVV VVV VV


Ie VV V V gVVV gVVV V V V ggVVV V V f WWW
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 5 6 5 (5) 6 5 5 6 8 6 5
A 7 7 7 (7) 7 7 6 6 6 6 6
8 8 8 (8) 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 10 10 9 9
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B
Dm Dsus2 Dsus G7 G5V G7
V V V V V V
223
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V W V V V
V V
3

5 6 8 6 5 5 5 8
T 6 8 8 6 5 6 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 5 5 8 7 5
B
P P H

e V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
I V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 6 6 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 5 5 8 8
B

W VV WW VV W VV VVV VV
Ie V V V V WW V W V V V V V WW V V V V

P.M. P.M. P.M.


5
T 6 (6) 5 8 6 8 8 6
A 7 (7) 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 0 (0) 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8
B
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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 34 of 38
Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` B` Dsus2/B` A Aaug A7 Aaug A

V V V V V V V V V gV fV V
227
Ie W V V t q
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[
N.H. [[[[
T 18 17 (17)
A 14 12 14 14 12 14 14 12 14
7 5 7 [7] ([7])
B
sl. sl. sl.

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 10 10 9 9
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

V WWW VVV VVV VVV VVV V


Ie VV V V gVVV gVVV V V VV ggVVV V V f WWW
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 5 6 5 (5) 6 5 5 6 8 6 5
A 7 7 7 (7) 7 7 6 6 6 6 6
8 8 8 (8) 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B
Dm Dsus G6 G7 G5V G7
V V V V V V
231
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V W V V V
V V
3

5 6 8 6 5 5 5 8
T 6 8 8 6 5 6 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 5 5 8 7 5
B
P P H

e V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
I V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T 6 6 5 5 8 8 5 5
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 5 5 8 8
B

W VV VVV VV VVV WW VV VVV VV VV


Ie V V V V WW V V V V W V V V V V

P.M. P.M. P.M.


5 5
T 6 8 8 8 5 6 8 8 8 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8
B
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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 35 of 38

Dsus2/B ` B` Dsus2/B ` B ` Dsus2/B ` A Aaug A7 Aaug A

V V W V V gW fV V
235
Ie W V V t q u
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[
N.H. [[[[[[[ [[[[
T 18 17 (17)
A 14 12 14 14 (14)
7 5 7 [7] ([7])
B
sl. sl. sl.

V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M.

T
A 9 9 9 9 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 12 12 10 10 9 9
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

V WWW VVV VVV VVV VVV V


Ie VV V V gVVV gVVV V V VV ggVVV V V f WWW
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 5 6 5 (5) 6 5 5 6 8 6 5
A 7 7 7 (7) 7 7 6 6 6 6 6
8 8 8 (8) 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

Dm Dsus2 Dsus G7 G5V G7


V V V V V V
239
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V W V V V
V V
3

Gtr II
5 6 8 6 5 5 5 8
T 6 8 8 6 5 6 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 5 5 8 7 5
B
P P H

W VV WW VV W VV VVV VV
Ie V V V V WW V W V V V V V WW V V V V

Gtrs I, IV
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 6 (6) 5 8 6 8 8 6
A 7 (7) 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 0 (0) 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 36 of 38

Dsus2/B ` B` Dsus2/B ` B ` Dsus2/B ` A Aaug A7 Aaug A


V V
V W V V V
243
Ie W V V t q u
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[
N.H. [[[[
T 18 (18)
A [7] ([7]) 12 (12) 14 (14) (14)
7 5 7
B
sl. sl. sl.

V WWW VVV VVV VVV VVV V


Ie VV V V gVVV gVVV V V VV ggVVV V V f WWW
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 5 6 5 (5) 6 5 5 6 8 6 5
A 7 7 7 (7) 7 7 6 6 6 6 6
8 8 8 (8) 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

Dm Dsus G6 G7 G5V G7
V V V V V V
247
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V W V V V
V V
3

5 6 8 6 5 5 5 8
T 6 8 8 6 5 6 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 5 5 8 7 5
B
P P H

W VV VVV VV VVV WW VV VVV VV VV


Ie V V V V WW V V V V W V V V V V

P.M. P.M. P.M.


5 5
T 6 8 8 8 5 6 8 8 8 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 37 of 38

Dsus2/B ` B` Dsus2/B ` B ` Dsus2/B ` A Aaug A7 Aaug A7

V V V V V V V V V gV fV V
251
Ie W V V t q
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[
N.H. [[[[
T 18 17 (17)
A [7] ([7]) 14 12 14 14 12 14 14 12 14
7 5 7
B
sl. sl. sl.
* ALBUM VERSION FADES OUT WHILE CONTINUING TO PLAY FROM BEGINNING OF SECTION R

V WWW VVV VVV VVV VVV V


Ie VV V V gVVV gVVV V V VV ggVVV V V f WWW
P.M. P.M. P.M.
5
T 5 6 5 (5) 6 5 5 6 8 6 5
A 7 7 7 (7) 7 7 6 6 6 6 6
8 8 8 (8) 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
B

S Live Ending
P = 220
Dm Dsus2 Dsus G7 G5V G7
V V V V V V
255
Ie V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V W V V V
V V
3

5 6 8 6 5 5 5 8
T 6 8 8 6 5 6 6
A 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 5 5 8 7 5
B
P P H
* THIS IS HOW THE BAND ENDS THE SONG IN A LIVE SCENARIO

W VV WW VV W VV VVV VV
Ie V V V V WW V W V V V V V WW V V V V

P.M. P.M. P.M.


5
T 6 (6) 5 8 6 8 8 6
A 7 (7) 7 7 7 7 7 7
0 0 0 0 0 (0) 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8
B

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HOW COULD I - Cynic Page 38 of 38

P =`200 ` ` ` ` P = 180 P = 140 P = 100


Dsus2/B B Dsus2/B B Dsus2/B N.C.

3
Ie W V V t q V V V
V V V W
V V
[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[[P.M.
N.H.
P.M. [[[[[[[[[[[
T
A 7
7 5 7 [7] ([7]) 8
B 0 0 8 10 8 7
8
sl.

V WWW VVV VVV VVV VVV R V V


Ie VV V V P V V V V W
P.M. [[[[[[[[[[[
5
T 5 6 5 (5) 6 5 10
A 7 7 7 (7) 7 7 10
8 8 8 (8) 8 7 7 7 10 12 10 9
B 10
sl. sl. sl.
A11sus
UUU UUU UUU
7 e
I UU UU UU
U U U
GK5 (5) (5)
T KK57 (5)
(7)
(5)
(7)
A KK75 (7) (7)
B K5 (5)
(5)
(5)
(5)

Ie UUUU UUU
UU
UUU
UU
U
GK0 (0) (0)
T KK67 (6)
(7)
(6)
(7)
A KK75 (7)
(5)
(7)
(5)
B

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HOW COULD I (Bassline)
As recorded by Cynic
(From the 1993 Album FOCUS)
Transcribed by Jeff Litvak Words by Paul Masvidal
(www.cynicalsphere.com) Music by Cynic
Arranged by Cynic

BASS TUNING: (D, A, D, G)


KEYBOARD FOR GUITAR TUNING: (D1, A1, D, G)
A Intro: (Keyboard)
P = 219
1 He 4
4
Gtr I Sean Malone - (Fretless Bass)
T
A
B

* FINGERSTYLE
c c c c c
j V V j j V V j V k j V V j j V V
H e 44
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Gtr II
T
A 3 2 3 2 5 3 2 3 2
B 0 0
0 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 5 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2
* KEYBOARD w/ MIDI SYNTH BASS VOICE ARRANGED FOR GUITAR
* SEE PERFORMANCE NOTES

H e UU WW W UU WW VV VV V
5 W

T
A 7 (7) 10 10 8 7
B 5 (5) 7 8 10

c c c c c
V V j j V V j V k V V j j V V
He j j
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

T
A 3 2 3 2 5 3 2 3 2
B 0 0
0 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 5 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2

©1993 The All Blacks BV


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HOW COULD I (Bassline) - Cynic Page 2 of 12

H e UU WW W WW VV gW V
9 W W V

T 6 (6)
A 7 (7) 10 10
B 5 (5) 7 8 7 (7)
sl.

c c c c c
V V j j V V j V k V V j j V V
He j j
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

T
A 3 2 3 2 5 3 2 3 2
B 0 0
0 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 5 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2

H e UU WW W UU WW VV VV V
13 W

T
A 7 (7) 10 10 8 (8) 7
B 5 (5) 7 8 10
sl.

c c c c c
j V V j j V V j V k j V V j j V V
He
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

T
A 3 2 3 2 5 3 2 3 2
B 0 0
0 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 5 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2

H e UU WW W WW VV gU
17 W U

T 6
A 7 (7) 10 10
B 5 (5) 7 8 7

c c c c c
V V j j V V j V k V V j j V V
He j j
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

T
A 3 2 3 2 5 3 2 3 2
B 0 0
0 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 5 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2

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HOW COULD I (Bassline) - Cynic Page 3 of 12

He q q W WW VV gW V
21 W W V
U W
N.H.
T 6
A [7] ([7]) 10 10
B 7 8 7
0 (0)

c c c c c
V V j j V V j V k V V j j V V
He j j
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

T
A 3 2 3 2 5 3 2 3 2
B 0 0
0 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 5 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2

U W V V U gW V
25 H e U W V V U W V
u
T 10 (10) 9 (9) 7 6 (6)
A 0 (0)
B
10 (10) 8 7 (7)
sl. sl.

c c c c c
V V j j V V j V k V V j j V V
He j j
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V

T
A 3 2 3 2 5 3 2 3 2
B 0 0
0 0 0 3 2 0 0 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 5 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2

B Lead In
P = 216
29 He
U W V U U
Gtr I
T
A
B
0 (0) 3 5 3

33 He U W U W W
V
T
A 0
B 1 (1) 3 1
0

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HOW COULD I (Bassline) - Cynic Page 4 of 12

P = 214
37 H e W
U W V V V V U V
let ring
T
A 3
B 0 (0) 0 0
5 3 0

W V V V
41 H e V V V V V
U
V
let ring
T 3 7
A 8
B 1 8 10 8 7 (7)
0 10
sl.
C Verse I
P = 158
45 H ee V V V V V V V V V V V VVVVVVV V V V VVVVVVVVV V V V V VVVVVVV V V

T
A
B 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
sl. sl.
"How could I forget such a revelation..." "To love without fear and learn without question..."

49 H ee V V c gV f V gV V V V c
V V gV V V V V u u V V VVVVV V V V V V
T
A 6 5 6 (6)
B 3 1 3 1
0 5 6 6 6 6 6 0 5 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0
sl.

53 H ee V V V V V V V V V V V VVVVVVV V V V VVVVVVVVV V V V V VVVVVVV V V V


V
T
A
B 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 0 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0 0
"How could I regret the meant occasions..." "I must begin this day again..."

57 H ee V c gV fV gV V V cV c
V VVVVV V V V V V
V V gV V V V V V
T 5
A 6 5 6
B 3 1 3 1
0 5 6 6 6 0 0 5 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0

D Pre-Chorus
P = 157
61 H ff W V VVVVVV
V VVVVVV gV VVVV U
T
A
B 8 7 7 7 7 7 0 0
2 2 2 2 2 0 0 6 6 6 6 6 7
"Freedom and reason shine through..."

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HOW COULD I (Bassline) - Cynic Page 5 of 12

64 H c V V V V V
U gV V gV V V
T
A
B 8 8 7 (7) 0
6 0 6 6 0
sl.
"Paddle upon the clouds one's own canoe..."
E Chorus 1
P = 151
cl cl
67 H
V V V V V V V gVc l j j V U
T
A
B
7 101010 7 7 7 6 10 7
"How could I..."
P = 155
H VVV gV V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V j
gV V V V V V V V
71
V V V gV V V u
T
A
B 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
101010 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 2
sl.

F Verse II
P = 154
75 H ee V VVVVVVV V V V V VVVVVVV V V V VVVVVVVVV V V V V VVVVVVV V V V
T
A
B 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 0 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 0 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 0 0
"Humility take charge of me..." "Drown me in truth's modest waters..."

P = 156
H ee V c c gV f V gV c c V V V V
79 V V V V V gV V V V V u V V V V c VVVV V V
V V
T
A 6 5 6 7 7 7 (7)
B 3 3 1 1 0 3 3 1
5 (5) 6 6 6 6 6 0 5 7 7 7 7 7 7
sl.
sl.

G Transition
P = 151
e c gV f V gV V c
83 H e V V V cV V cV
gV V V V V V V V V V
V V
T 5
A 6 5 6
B 3 (3) 1 3 1
0 5 6 6 6 0 5 7 7 7 7 7 7
sl.

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HOW COULD I (Bassline) - Cynic Page 6 of 12

H Chorus 1
P = 156 P = 150
87 H ff W V VVVVVV cl
V V V V V V gVc l j
gV V V V V V V gV VVV V
T
A
B 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 101010 7 7 7 6
"Freedom and reason shine through..."

H j cl
91 V U V V V V V V gV V V gV V V V V V V V
T
A
B 3 3 3 3 3 0
10 7 101010 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 2
"How could I..." sl.

I Chorus 2
P = 144
H c
95
V V V V V V V V gV V V V V V V V V V V
T
A
B
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 10 6 6 6 (6) 6 6 10 10 10 10 9
"Love..." "If I am harsh..." "And unkind to..."

H
98
V V V V V V V V V V V gV V V V gV V V V V V V V
T
A
B
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 10 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 10 10 9 9 6
"Myself so I share these..."

H c c
101
V V V V V V V V V V gV V V V V V V V V V V V
T
A
B 3 3 3 2 2 0
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 10 10 9 6 6 6 6 (6) 6
"Attitudes with..." "You, must I try..."

J Bridge
P = 147
104 H ee gV V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V VVV VVVVV VVVV

T
A
B 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
"How could I..."

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HOW COULD I (Bassline) - Cynic Page 7 of 12

K Transition: (Keyboard)
P = 222
107 H e U U U U
Gtr I
T
A
B 7 (7) (7) (7)

c c c c c
V V
He j gV j j V gV j k j V gV j j V gV
V V V V gV V V V gV V V V V V V V V V V V gV V V V gV V V V V V V V
Gtr II
T
A 5 4 5 4 7 5 4 5 4
B 2 2
2 2 2 5 4 2 2 4 4 4 5 4 4 4 7 4 5 5 5 5 4 5 5 4 4 4 5 4 4 4
* SEE PERFORMANCE NOTES

L Lead 1: (Paul Masvidal)


P = 224
111 H e VN XV c VN XV c V c
V V u V V V u V V V
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
Gtr I
T
A
B 5 5 5 5 3 3
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 5 8 5 8 5 7 3 (3) 3 7 7 7 7

115 He W c c c c c c c c c
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
T
A
B
8 7 7 7 5 5 5 3 3 3 5 7 7 5 5 5 3 3 3 2 2 2 3

He X X
119

V NV V Vu V V
c NV V Vu V c V
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
T
A
B 5 5 5 5 3 3 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 5 5 8 5 7 5 7 3 (3) 3 3

He V c c c c c c c c c
123
V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
T
A
B
8 8 7 7 7 5 5 5 3 3 3 5 7 7 7 5 5 5 3 3 3 2 2 0 0

Generated using the Power Tab Editor by Brad Larsen. http://powertab.guitarnetwork.org


HOW COULD I (Bassline) - Cynic Page 8 of 12

M Pre-Chorus
P = 168 P = 162
127 Hf W W W
gV V U
T
A
B 8 7
9 6 6 7
"Freedom and reason shine through..."
P = 156
H V V gW W W W
130
W
T
A 9 7 6 9
B 8 7
"Paddle upon the clouds one's own canoe..."
N Chorus 1

H c l k d c j l k c l
133
V V V V V V V V gV c V
V
T
A
B
7 7 10 10 10 7 7 7 6 0 10

P = 148
H V V V V V V gV c
V gV V V V V V V V
136
U
T
A
B
7 10 10 10 7 7 7 6 6 6 0 10 10 10 10 10 10

O Chorus 2
P = 145
H c c
139
V V V V V V V V V gV V V gV V V V V V V V
T
A
B
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 10 6 6 6 6 6 10 10 10 10 10 10
sl.
"Love too often is only a dream..."
P = 139
H c c
gV V V V V V V V
142
V V V V V V V V V gV V V V
T
A
B
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 10 10 10 10 10 9
"Love..." "If I am harsh..." sl. "And unkind to..."

H
145
V V V V V V V V gV V V V gV V V V V V V V
T
A
B
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 10 6 6 6 6 6 6 10 10 10 10 10 9
"Myself so I share these..." sl.

Generated using the Power Tab Editor by Brad Larsen. http://powertab.guitarnetwork.org


HOW COULD I (Bassline) - Cynic Page 9 of 12

H
148
V V V V V V V V V gV V V V gV V V V V V V V
T
A
B
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 10 6 6 6 6 6 6 10 10 10 10 10 9
"Attitudes with you for in this..." sl.

P Transition
P = 141 P = 130
151 H ee gV V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V V
T
A
B 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 0 0 0 0 0
"How could I..." * SEE PERFORMANCE NOTES FOR LIVE OPTION

Q Lead 2: (Jason Gobel)


P = 252
153 H e V V V
V V V V V V V V V V V V V
T
A 3
B 5 5
0 0 0 0 0 3 5 5 5 0 3 3 3

P = 256
157 H e V V V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V
T
A 3 3 3 7 7 7 (7)
B 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
sl.

P = 258
161 H e V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V V V
T
A 5 (5) 3
B 5 5
0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 3 3 3
sl.

P = 260
165 H e V V V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V
T
A 3 3 3 7 7 7 (7)
B 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
sl.

P = 262
169 He V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V V V
T
A 5 (5) 3
B 5 5
0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 3 3 3
sl.

Generated using the Power Tab Editor by Brad Larsen. http://powertab.guitarnetwork.org


HOW COULD I (Bassline) - Cynic Page 10 of 12

173 He V V V V V V V V V V V
V V V V V
T
A 3 3 3 3 3 7 7 7 7 (7)
B 1 1 1 0 0 0
sl.

177 He V V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V V
T
A 5 (5) 3
B 5 5 5
0 0 0 0 0 5 5 3 3 3
sl.

181 He V V V V V V V V V V V
V V V V V
T
A 3 3 3 3 3 7 7 7 7 (7)
B 1 1 1 0 0 0
sl.

R Lead 2: (Synth Part)


P = 263
185 H e V V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V V
T
A 5 (5) 3
B 5 5 5
0 0 0 0 0 5 5 3 3 3
sl.

189 He V V V V V V V V V V
V V V V V V
T
A 3 3 3 3 7 7 7 7 (7)
B 1 1 1 1 0 0 0
sl.

P = 260
193 He V V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V V
T
A 5 (5) 3 3
B 5 5
0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 3 3
sl.

197 He V V V W V V V V
V V V V V V V
T
A 3 3 3 7 7 7 (7)
B 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
sl.

P = 258
201 He V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V V V
T
A 5 (5) 3
B 5 5
0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 3 3 3
sl.

Generated using the Power Tab Editor by Brad Larsen. http://powertab.guitarnetwork.org


HOW COULD I (Bassline) - Cynic Page 11 of 12

205 He V W W W V V
V V V V V V V
T
A 3 3 7 7 (7)
B 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
sl.

209 H e V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V V V
T
A 5 (5) 3
B 5 5
0 0 0 0 0 3 5 5 3 3 3
sl.

213 He V V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V V
T
A 3 3 7 7 (7)
B 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
sl.

217 H e V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V V V
T
A 5 (5) 3
B 5 5
0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 3 3 3
sl.

221 He V W W W V V
V V V V V V V
T
A 3 3 7 7 (7)
B 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
sl.

225 He V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V V V
T
A 5 (5) 3
B 5 5
0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 3 3 3
sl.

229 He V W W W V V
V V V V V V V
T
A 3 3 7 7 (7)
B 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0
sl.

233 He V V V V V V
V V V V V V V V V V V
T
A 5 (5) 3 3
B 5 5
0 0 0 0 0 0 3 5 5 3 3
sl.
H

237 He V V V V V V V V
V V V V V V V V
T
A 3 3 3 3 7 7 (7)
B 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
sl.
Generated using the Power Tab Editor by Brad Larsen. http://powertab.guitarnetwork.org
HOW COULD I (Bassline) - Cynic Page 12 of 12

241 He W V V W V V
V V V V V V V V
T
A 5 5 5 (5)
B 5 5
0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5
sl.

245 He W V V V gV V V
W V V W W V
T
A 3 3 3 2
B 0 0 0 2 4 4
3 3 3
H
* ALBUM VERSION FADES OUT WHILE CONTINUING TO PLAY FROM BEGINNING OF SECTION R
S Live Ending
P = 220
249 H e W V V V V
V V V V V V V V V V
T
A 5 (5) 3
B 5 5
0 0 0 0 0 5 5 3 3 3
* THIS IS HOW THE BAND ENDS THE SONG IN A LIVE SCENARIO sl.
P = 200 P = 180 P = 140 P = 100
V V V
253 He V V W V V V V V V V V
V
T 7
A 3 3 8
B 1 1 1 1 0 8 10 8 7 (7)
10
sl.
257 H e

U U U
T
A
B
0 (0) (0)

Generated using the Power Tab Editor by Brad Larsen. http://powertab.guitarnetwork.org


Performance & Other Notes
How Could I

"Simply put, it is about self-love and how evasive and difficult it is to be truthful to
ourselves. There is a lot of classical Bach influence in the chorus progression especially.
It's a very classically rooted and inspired song. I think it would make an interesting piece
as a symphonic orchestration."

- Paul Masvidal

SONG: How Could I


ARTIST: Cynic
MUSIC BY: Cynic
LYRICS BY: Paul Masvidal
TRANSCRIBED BY: Jeff Litvak (www.cynicalsphere.com)
ALBUM: Focus
REALEASE DATE: September 14, 1993
LABEL: Road Runner Records
NOTICE: ©1993 The All Blacks B.V.
PRODUCED BY: Cynic & Scott Burns
ENGINEERED & MIXED BY: Scott Burns
RECORDED & MIXED AT: Morrisound Recording, Tampa, FL

GUITAR NOTES
SECTION L - PAUL’S LEAD:
This song has what are, in my opinion, probably the two most memorable leads on the entire Focus album…the
first by Paul and the one at the end of the song by Jason. On the album, Paul plays and records the harmony to the solo
himself as a separate track. For the live show, he employed the pitch shifting capabilities of the Rocktron Intellifex. By
programming a patch on the Intellifex to mimic the various changing intervals of the harmony, he could just engage the
Intellifex patch during his live performance of the solo and let it track the harmony part for him.

Paul's lead is a very stylistic one and at first (even second and third) listen, it may sound like he is using a
harmonizer on the recording. This is due to the fact that Paul is using primarily a perfect interval harmony pattern rather
than a natural interval harmony which is what our ears are usually accustomed to hearing - you will rarely hear an artist
use perfect intervals and certainly not for the majority of an entire lead. Here's where the genius of Paul Masvidal comes
into play though, rather than just use one interval all the way through which would sound strange, he varies it nearly a
dozen times at different points in the lead to change the feel and break the monotony that one perfect interval would give.
Furthermore, on a couple of occasions, he breaks from the strict perfect interval rule and throws a natural interval in
passing which serves to round out the overall feel of the lead.

Since this lead is so unique and stylized, I've closely watched the videos to extract the same picking sequence Paul
uses when he plays it and notated it in this tablature for you.

SECTION Q - JASON'S LEAD:


One of the strongest attributes of Jason Gobel's playing style is his ability to cleanly and precisely alternate pick
just about anything. Where other guitarists would struggle and ultimately either sweep, use legato or do something
different altogether just to get through the part as easily as possible, Jason is always able to shine and pull off some truly
impressive picking sequences. Prime examples of this are his clean tone parts in I'm But A Wave To..., his lead on
Uroboric Forms and this lead which is considered by most Cynic fans to be the most memorable on the entire album...also
one of the most difficult to play.

Everyone has their own way of holding the guitar pick - some choke down on it, leaving only 1/4 inch or so of
the tip exposed. This makes it easier to spin quick, tightly woven rhythms that center around diads, triads and single string
runs and is especially useful in executing artificial harmonics which are all common in metal. Others, including Jason,
appear to pull back the choke on the pick leaving a little more of the tip exposed. This allows for more "bite" on the strings
and also lets you cover the distance between strings quicker because you have that extra 1/8 inch or so of guitar pick to
work with. What benefit does this have? During that quick alternate picking sequence beginning at measure 159 at the
very start of the solo, it helps you in crossing over the "G" string from the main sequence of notes on the “B” while trying to
“grab” those one or two quick notes directly across on the “D” and then moving back again to the “B” without breaking
rhythm. You will find that the extra bit of pick will "bite" down more and you are able to grab those elusive far away notes
quicker and cleaner with less arm and wrist travel than if you choke the pick.

This is a very fast moving lead and is difficult to memorize with no margin for error. Because of the pace of this
lead, if you make a mistake, or hesitate because you couldn't remember what came next even for a split second it can
blow the whole lead for you so if you are going to attempt this live, make sure to practice it well. I have extracted Jason's
picking sequence from video and notated it in this tablature so you can see how he does it as it is the most efficient way to
pick the lead.

BASS NOTES
KUBICKI FRETLESS BASS:
Sean’s instrument of choice for the recordings on Focus is the fretless bass. One of the greatest strengths of
the fretless bass is that it handles both slides and legato slides smoothly and without the encumbrance of the frets getting
in the way and breaking the sound of the slide up into semitones. Because of this, you get the full range of microtones
between the beginning and ending points of the slides and Sean uses this to it’s full effect throughout the Focus album.

During the recording and touring for Focus, Sean Malone played a Philip Kubicki Ex-Factor fretless bass. This
particular bass has a unique feature on the headstock called a “D-Extension Clip”. This handy clip allows you to "D" tune
your "E" string almost instantaneously, without changing string tension and not having to transpose, effectively allowing
the "E" string on a 32 inch scale bass to be released to a longer "D" scale of 36 inches which was highly effective for Sean
both in the studio and on stage. He used this feature for 3 of the 8 songs on the album: Sentiment, I’m But A Wave To…,
and How Could I, all of which the bass is tuned down to a Drop-D tuning simply by releasing the “D-Extension Clip” at the
headstock of the bass.

The patented string clip is available only on the Ex Factor. While holding the bass in playing position, you push
the spring loaded string clip up with the thumb of the left hand. Pull the string out from under the clip head with your finger
and release the lever. You are now in concert tension "D" and all the notes on the scale remain the same - no
transposing. Pushing the lever up causes it to re-grab the string, and you're back in "E" again. It's very quick and easy to
become adept at pushing the lever to the desired position. When the string is in "D" tuning, you also have a "D#" note
available.

It is important to note that the D and D# notes are actually on the headstock behind the nut and when the clip
is engaged for standard E-tension tuning, the clip acts as the nut for the E-string. When released, it effectively removes
the nut for the E-string only and opens up the two extra fret positions on the headstock for that string. There is no
difference in playability between the Kubicki fretless bass and a standard bass in E-tension tuning, however, when you
open the clip to drop the D, things change a little from what a standard bass in drop-D tuning would be. Since the open
low D on the Kubicki is now two frets behind the open positions for all of the other strings, every note on that string would
be played two frets closer to the headstock than on a standard bass in drop-D tuning where all of the open strings meet at
the nut together. The notes and the written transcription are still the same but hand positioning differs slightly. Fear not if
you don’t have a Kubicki though, it is entirely possible to play this song on any standard bass.

For more information on the Kubicki Ex-Factor bass, visit:


www.kubicki.com

SECTIONS A & K:
These two sections are both comprised of a MIDI Synth Bass voice that is pre-programmed on a MIDI keyboard
into the desired speed and pattern and then replayed like a recording at the touch of a button at will both live and in the
studio. The transcription of the parts is more for completion of the tablature than anything as the tuning is not something
that would be used on a bass or electric guitar. The purpose was mostly to make the notes available for those who may
want them.

LIVE PERFORMANCE OPTION (SECTION P: TRANSITION)


BASS PART:

How Could I

How could I forget such a revelation


to love without fear and learn without question
how could I regret the meant occasions
I must begin this day again

freedom and reason shine through


paddle upon the clouds one's own canoe

how could I

humility take charge of me


drown me in truth's modest waters
loosen your grip, identity
free me from an ego's falter

freedom and reason shine through

how could I

love too often is only a dream


if I am harsh and unkind to myself
so I share these attitudes with you
must I try ?, how could I ?

(solo: Paul)

freedom and reason shine through


paddle upon the clouds one's own canoe

love too often is only a dream


how could I

love too often is only a dream


if I am harsh and unkind to myself
so I share these attitudes with you
for in this spewing cadence of my pride
how could I

(solo: Jason)

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