[paige792]

I want to record song professionally and I have one question. If I use the same background melody from another song, but I change the singing melody and use my own lyrics, can I consider it as my own song or it will be considered as copying ?

[S.T.C]

Depends how well you can disguise it..doesn't stop Pharrell does it!

[Vintage54]

        Paige!
          Have a word with Bob Dylan on this, but that may be a tad difficult. I could say ask George Harrison as well, but that would be even harder. This is dangerous ground and i don't have an answer, wouldn't want to steer you wrong. But i'm sure there's plenty of people on here that could give you good advice, just give it time.

                            Vintage54

[Dogmax]

Post Your Lyrics   

[Neil C]

Hi,
Here's my thoughts - I'm not sure what a background melody is - chord progressions perhaps? but if your vocal melody and lyrics are unique then theres a good basis for it to sound sufficiently different to be considered yours efen if it was inspired by someone else.
Clearly if your are just overlaying them to the original backing track then that need permission.
 
Neil

[Boydie]

If I use the same background melody from another song, but I change the singing melody and use my own lyrics, can I consider it as my own song or it will be considered as copying ?

No, if you are borrowing a "melody" it is protected by copyright

You can however use the same chords and come up with your own melodies

You can also use a favourite song to "ghost write" to - eg copy the chords, structure, where the title goes etc. but melodies and lyrics are off limits

[mickeytwonames]

As Tom Lehrer wrote 'Plagiarise, plagiarise, plagiarise let no one else's work evade your eyes'.