Photo by Joël de Vriend on Unsplash

Lait

Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Biutiful” is a searing exploration of the human condition, and mortality. Starring Javier Bardem (in an incredible performance) the film delves into the complexities of a man struggling to reconcile his personal demons — with the immense challenges of living on the fringe of society.

Bardem portrays Uxbal, a street vendor and small-time criminal navigating the gritty underbelly of Barcelona. Uxbal’s life is a constant struggle, plagued by poverty, illness, and the looming threat of death. As he faces a terminal diagnosis, he becomes consumed by a desperate quest to protect his children and secure their future. The film’s gritty realism is accentuated by the bleak beauty of Barcelona’s urban landscape. Bardem’s performance is a raw and emotionally charged portrayal of a man grappling with his own mortality.

The score, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, accompanies Biutiful’s narrative with minimalism and eclecticism. In many of the songs, Santaolalla is using a backing track of urban sounds against his principle melody. The effect is almost like dust on a film reel — ever so slightly scratching away at the creation. The song “Lait” is particularly poignant piece — reflecting the emotional turmoil experienced by Uxbal.

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How to play Lait | fingerstyle guitar

The guitar tab for Lait is beautifully written across 4 pages. I recommend this song for beginner guitar players and up. While the piece sounds sophisticated, it’s relatively easy to play. In fact, this piece is GREAT for beginners as they’ll be exposed to hammer-ons, pull-offs, and trills while not being overburdened difficult chords shapes.

You’ll play the song straight through, taking care to repeat the sections as indicated. Enjoy! The guitar tab is available below:

**Gustavo Santaolalla: Lait (Biutiful) | fingerstyle guitar

Lait is played in standard tuning, with a capo on the 7th fret,