The Last Samurai

“The Last Samurai,” released in 2003, is an epic historical drama directed by Edward Zwick and starring Tom Cruise. Zwick has actually directed many of my favorite films; Glory, Legends of the Fall, and Blood Diamond to name a few.

The Last Samurai tells the story of Captain Nathan Algren; a traumatized, disillusioned, and alcoholic Civil War veteran. Algren is hired by the Japanese emperor to train the imperial army in modern warfare — and snuff out the last remaining Samurai warriors. However, Algren is captured by the Samurai, and gradually immersed in their traditional way of life.

Hans Zimmer’s music for “The Last Samurai” is widely considered to be a modern classic. This has been one of my most requested arrangements over the years. This piece explores the main motif found in the film’s opening theme “A Way of Life” and the closing theme, “A Small Measure of Peace”.

You might also like to play…

Any of my Hans Zimmer arrangements from over the years. Gladiator, Dune, Inception…it’s all here.

How to play The Last Samurai | fingerstyle guitar

The guitar tab for this piece is beautifully written across 2 pages. I recommend this arrangement for beginner guitar players and up. Enjoy! The guitar tab is available below:

You’ll play the guitar guitar tab straight through, taking care to ||: repeat :|| the section within the brackets 2x.

[guitar tab] **Hans Zimmer: The Last Samurai | fingerstyle guitar

My version is played in an open D Minor tuning. You’ll tune as follows from low to high: D A D F A D.