you can't own chords

[visitor]

i love this channel and the dude throws down, this explanation is spot on

[ted]

Thanks for posting this, I had no idea the world of professional music is so greedy. Thank goodness I’m an amateur. Come to think of it, I shouldn’t be surprised. Some years ago I was about to post myself playing some transcribed Waller solos on this forum. I wrote to Paul Posnak, whose transcription I had used and he said he didn’t care, but advised me to check with Hal Leonard. They objected most strongly so I flagged the idea away. On closer thought the whole thing was completely stupid. How on earth would anyone know whose transcription I had used, or indeed, if I had picked it up by ear myself ?

A similarly ludicrous situation lies at the bottom of why no commercial DVD exists of the Houston Grand Opera’s production of Joplin’s Treemonisha. Apparently the labour involved in ensuring they are not sued by any of the hundreds who were in it stops them publishing anything. All examples of capitalism defeating art - so sad.

[perfect_pitch]

I'll admit that the Coldplay/Satriani case had definite merit since the melodic idea was almost identical. This however is just idiocy. Not that I actually love Ed Sheerans music, or even listen to it much - but the unifying point about someone trying to claim copyright over chord progressions is idiotic...

What's slightly more horrifying is that 12 people who get to decide the fate of the trial will probably have no musical theoretical knowledge and will probably be dumbfounded to see the problem.

Although, how 12 people could possibly convict Ed Sheeran of anything these days is beyond me.

[visitor]

yep to both above

I am certain,  during jurornselection if anyone even hints at.having a working knowledge of even rudimentary music theory, prosecution will vehemently object,  I can not see them being ok with having a competent person that can see through the BS sit on the panel

[mjames]

imagine being teenage chopin just finished the greatest work of your life yet, the e minor concerto, only to end up being sued because you used some of Hummel's material in it. 

jesus music industry is a bloody joke

[ted]

jesus music industry is a bloody joke

I totally agree. I am told, by musicians and others here (where I live) that by giving away scores and recordings of my own music to anybody, and teaching people to improvise for free, I am seriously undermining the economic stability of the "music industry". I suppose music has not quite reached the iniquitous depths of sport, paintings and sex in this regard yet, but it's doing its level best to catch up.

[Bob]

Interesting video.  Short version and what I thought of when I first started playing it -- You can't copyright harmony.  ex. Rhythm changes.

I wonder... although I doubt it... if there's something to how it's all put together though.  Same harmony + instrumentation + tempo + rhythm, etc. ...  Eventually it's the same piece for some parts.  Then again, you can simplify things down to where there are only so many options and you do end up with similar sounding music.

[pianoplunker]

i love this channel and the dude throws down, this explanation is spot on

Geez, if my last name was Pachelbel, I'd have to sue the entire world for copying the chord progression to Canon in D for many , many other songs. No copyright needed, because that is a stronger case than the one involving Marvin Gaye and Ed Sheeran. Both great singers I like to listen to

[richardb]

Thanks for posting this. I did see the Rick Beato video, but not this one which is even more technical. 

Ridiculous lawsuit, makes no sense. I'll bet Marvin himself would agree if he were still alive.