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When a session guitarist plays a non scripted melody or melodies onto another's work, is that considered a form of composition??If so, is the session musician considered an arranger when it comes to copyrighting the work??To elaborate this question further... if someone ask me to play guitar over their written tracks... where I would come up with those guitar melodies, riffs etc..., am I considered an arranger, a collaborated composer or am I still just a sessionist??Should I own any rights to that track too?Any session musicians here with good advice?Thanks in adv...-Kel

It depends on what the contract says, or what you negotiate. If I hired a guitarist to "give me some standard alt rock riffs over my chord progression", I would have them sign a "work for hire" agreement which limits their participation to the session fee only. I would do that even if they played an improvised solo and improvised riffs based on the direction I gave them in relationship to my song.If you are going in as the guitarist, then you need to be clear on what you want from the session. If you want to participate in the writing, then the person who is hiring you has to agree and you should get it in writing. If they don't agree, then you have to decide if you still want to play on the session or not.HTH,Mazz

Have it in writing what you are to do (and not do for that matter), and what you own or don't own! When it comes to friends doing a project (people I know and love) if they are paying me, I'll sign a session agreement! If not we'll work out an ownership (rights) agreement! As far as classification, I think it would be session musician or collaborating composer depending on how much of the Kel magic ends up on the track! Just the way I see it and do it! -Mark

U guys Rock!!! Thank U so much!!!I kinda thought it worked like that (what U mentioned) but wasn't too sure...Now I'm enlightened... Truly appreciated...Kel

Yep, I agree with the session agreement or "work for hire". It's basically what I was explaining for the "Royalty Attached" thread. It's important to have that agreement outlined before any work is done, because instrumental hooks inserted into demos or songs can be just as effective and well-know (re: FAMOUS) as any vocal hook. In fact, they're just as important, so it's imperative to have that outlined before any work is done. HTH!

What did the contract specify? Session players sign contracts for and against particular elements of their creativity. If it's a negotiated deal, you, the session player can claim points on whatever mechanicals the song might pull in or, ask for more money for your services. However, if you're signed to an agency, you get a standard fee no mater what genius you might have played on record. There's a number of books and publications that will more specifically explain the laws and practices concerning session players and contractors.That said, playing within an arrangement and arranging a song are very different from each other. As a guitar player/pianist, drummer etc.. you're playing within a specified parameter of bars or measures that comply to the over-all arrangement of the song. The arrangement of a song requires foundational structuring which often requires more time and sweat equity.