On the 5th string, which note corresponds to the 12th fret?

The note on the 5th string at the 12th fret is A. This is because the guitar is tuned to E A D G B E standard tuning, where the 5th string is tuned to A. When you press down on the 12th fret of the 5th string, you are effectively going up 12 half steps or an octave from the open string.

The 12th fret is significant because it marks the octave, meaning the note you play there is one octave higher than the open string note. Since the open 5th string is A, the note at the 12th fret is also A, but it is the higher pitch counterpart. Understanding this concept is crucial for navigating the fretboard effectively and recognizing that the fret numbers correspond to specific note intervals.