copywrite question

I want to copywrite some songs. I have seen the web site and everything, but my question is this: do i have to score out every piece of music? I heard that you may only have to score the melody line, and then write the appropriate chords above it. Or does it have to be more appropriate than that? Does anyone know the truth?

Get a lawyer

here's the deal. go to the library of congress website, get the PA and SR forms. the PA form is what people give scores for, but you don't have to. if you send in a tape of the song that has the words, chords, and any melodies its all you need. this is because your copyright is intellectual property. if someoene tries to steal your song this is what you need. it gets you royalties and protects you. the SR form is less important if you've got a less than great sounding demo tape. this is for the actual sound recording of your song as it will be on your album. this will get you more money when your record sells. if its a demo tape then you don't really need to have an SR copyright on everysong. instead maybe just get an SR form for the whole demo tape. it will still be protected and save you some cash as well.

This should answer any questions you may have.

http://www.bandname.com/magazine/articles/display_article.asp?article=publishing_and_copyright

I'm a lawyer. I can help you copy"write" your songs. I can also help you in other difficult areas such as paying your phone bill, writing a check or buying guitar strings. I only charge $500 per half hour.

This may help....C-O-P-Y-R-I-G-H-T as in your "rights" not your writes . Right?