The Rolling Stones · 1964 · Studio album
12 X 5 tuning.
E Standard, about 9 cents flat (A ≈ 438), measured on the CD. 2 of 12 songs are tuned differently.
Album tuning
E Standard −9 ¢
About 9 cents flat (A ≈ 438), measured on the CD.
MeasuredFrom tabs
Measured by TuneLit
9 ¢ flat
| Source | Offset | Equivalent A | Songs | Spread | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CD, ABKCO (ALAC rip; pressing not identified) | −8.8 ¢ | A 437.8 | 12 | −11.2 to −8.3 ¢ | High |
Before we measured, sources said: E Standard, with no pitch given (community).
The second American album (the Chess sessions in Chicago plus singles), in standard tuning except Good Times, Bad Times. TuneLit measured it about 9 ¢ flat (A ≈ 437.8); Time Is on My Side runs about 21 ¢ sharp.
12 songs · 2 tuned differently
Every song, ready to tune
Tune opens the tuner in that song's tuning, pitch included. Play along opens the song player set to that tuning, so the track plays in yours. What the labels mean
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1. Around and Around
E Standard −9 ¢Measured
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2. Confessin' the Blues
E Standard −9 ¢Measured
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3. Empty Heart
E Standard −9 ¢Measured
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4. Time Is on My Side
Different pitch
E Standard +21 ¢Measured
Notes
The version issued as the American single. TuneLit measured it about 21 ¢ sharp (A ≈ 445.5).
The tabs are in standard tuning, including Time Is on My Side and It's All Over Now; Good Times, Bad Times is the exception.
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5. Good Times, Bad Times
Different tuning
C Standard +5 ¢Measured
Notes
How to get there from the album's E Standard: Every string down 4 half steps.
The only tab puts Keith Richards's 12-string acoustic in C Standard (C F B♭ E♭ G C), four half steps below standard. TuneLit's low-note check of the record agrees with a low C.
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6. It's All Over Now
E Standard −9 ¢Measured
Notes
Brian Jones plays 12-string electric rhythm guitar.
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7. 2120 South Michigan Avenue
E Standard −9 ¢Measured
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8. Under the Boardwalk
E Standard −9 ¢Measured
Notes
On its own, this song measures flatter: CD −23.4 ¢ (medium confidence). Tune uses the album's −9 ¢.
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9. Congratulations
E Standard −9 ¢Measured
Notes
Its reading (about 54 ¢ flat) is below the confidence the Tune button needs, so it uses the album value; check by ear.
On its own, this song measures flatter: CD −53.9 ¢ (medium confidence). Tune uses the album's −9 ¢.
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10. Grown Up Wrong
E Standard −9 ¢Measured
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11. If You Need Me
E Standard −9 ¢Measured
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12. Susie Q
E Standard −9 ¢Measured
What the labels mean
- Measured
- TuneLit measured the pitch on an original CD or LP. The tuning name still comes from the sources.
- Official
- The band, a member, their producer or their guitar tech said it.
- Widely reported
- Trusted outlets, guides and tabs agree, but the band did not say it directly.
- From tabs
- From community tabs, or from players who tune along with the record.
- Disputed
- Sources disagree. The likeliest setting is shown; the notes name the other one.
Each song shows one label, the strongest it has, in this order. How we measure recordings →
Questions
What tuning is 12 X 5 in?
The Rolling Stones recorded 12 X 5 (1964) in E Standard, about 9 cents flat (A ≈ 438), measured by TuneLit on the CD. Time Is on My Side uses E Standard +21 ¢; Good Times, Bad Times uses C Standard +5 ¢.
Why does 12 X 5 sound out of tune with my guitar?
Time Is on My Side sits about 21 cents sharp (A ≈ 445), so a guitar tuned to A 440 clashes with it. The Tune buttons on this page set the tuner's reference to match the record, so you only tune the strings.