Who is a co-writer?

- If two or more songwriters create a song,…they are initially the co-owners of copyright.…Co-writers sometimes have a difficult time…evaluating their songwriting contributions.…For example, the following scenario is common in a band.…The guitar player creates a song structure,…typically some chord changes.…The singer adds lyrics and a melody.…The bass player comes up with the bass part.…The keyboard player improvises a solo.…All four may believe they are co-writers of the song.…

Historically, the creators of the lead sheet,…the words, melody and harmonic chord structure,…were considered the songwriters.…That's because the words, music and chord changes,…along with the tempo, were traditionally…the only elements necessary for sheet music.…The creation of a solo or a supporting bass…or drum part was usually not considered…an element of songwriting for two reasons.…One, these parts, although they enhance…the recorded performance, are not considered essential…to the structure of the song.…

And two, solos and rhythm parts are usually derived…