It depends on what country you live in ...
In the UK copyright is created automatically as soon as the piece of music (the program) is created. From there it's about PROVING the copyright lay with you.
The easiest way to do this is get a copy of the original program material (the instrumental) & all the workings (the song arrangement if done on computer or the sheet music if done by hand etc.). Package them all up & send them to YOURSELF by registered post.
DO NOT OPEN THE PACKAGE. DO NOT OPEN THE PACKAGE. DO NOT OPEN THE PACKAGE.
Keep the package & receipt in a safe place - then if the copyright is called into question you can prove that you sent the original track & arrangements (so they can't claim you simply downloaded the track) on a certain date & here's the receipt from the post office to prove it.
I have added a link to many other free music industry tutorials / articles including copyrighting, contracts etc.
Yes, you can copyright your vocals over someone's instrumental. Copyright protection extends to original works of authorship, including musical compositions and sound recordings. As long as your vocals were recorded with permission over the instrumental and meet the requirements for copyright protection, you can obtain copyright protection for your vocals.
Instrumental music is protected by copyright, but YouTube's automated matching system may not immediately catch an unlicensed use. See YouTube's copyright polices at the link below for more information.
instrumental?
Composed by Henry Mancini, the Pink Panther Theme is an instrumental composition. Mancini lived until the year 1994, so the music is still in copyright protection, and will be at least until the year 2069.
Sometimes you May think all music is not free. But I can tell you that we have plenty of free music For all kinds of content. background music, YouTube channel,etc Copyright free collection
On the Run - instrumental - was created in 1973.
Hymns Instrumental was created in 1989.
Étude - instrumental - was created in 1990.
Bonny - instrumental - was created in 1992.
Mexico - instrumental - was created in 1961.
Discipline - instrumental - was created in 1981.
Pegasus - instrumental - was created in 1979.