Hello all - sorry newbie question here. When I look at the notes on a bass clef, am I right that the notes on the staff ascend in pitch? In other words, for example, an E on the second ledger line above the standard five-line staff, needs to be played on the 9th fret of the G string (rather than the open E or 7th fret of the A string or 2nd fret of the D string?) Or can I play any note on any of the staff and ledger lines anywhere on the fretboard?
Thanks a lot 
Thanks @booker_t . That is exactly what prompted my question! I love Study Bass but read on that sheet:
“How do I know which one to play?” The answer is you can play any of them.”
And then I got confused because, on a piano, I am sure you would play notes lower on a staff (albeit in a treble clef) at the lower register of the piano. I am sure the C four ledger lines above the staff must be a C on the 17th fret of the G string and not on the 8th fret of the E string.
Excellent question and observation @StreetwalkingCheetah. My understanding is that this chart, or notes for a song (on a ledger line), provide the suggested tone. You, as a bass player, could technically play them anywhere, though the tonal characteristics could be quite different (Super Freak may sound a bit less or more freaky). I’ll show myself out and leave better explanations to those more knowledgeable than me.
Well, in fact I think there’s no easy answer to that question. Technically you could play the notes on different places but in context, like in a song or an etude, it makes a difference whether you play the high C or the low C. I think this site holds the answers to both: why it’s the same and why it’s different. The site explains the difference between low, middle and high notes, like C4, C5… and where to find them on the staff in bass clef. Their comparison to the notes on piano keys is especially helpful in visualization. IMO, the site is pretty much worth digging in a bit.
Reading sheet is like reading a map. You see Point A and Point B then your figure out what’s “your” best route.
Reading Tabs is like reading GPS. They tell you the fastest route, fewest turn, etc, but you don’t get the bigger picture.
I’m a Map reader, 
Yeah. Unfortunately I started with GPS, but now I’m working my way towards maps. I’m still very slow, but it’s getting better. 
So, technically, the E on the second ledger line above the standard five lines is TWO octaves above the open E (string). Thus, 9th fret on G string or 14th fret on the D string, …
Still, for many notes that you are supposed to play on bass, there is more than one option. Which one to choose then? Well, I think it typically comes down to two considerations.
What great metaphors, @Al1885 ! Thank you
@Anja this is really useful : thank you!
Very useful indeed, @joergkutter . Thanks a lot for the considered reply.
OK, so I’m a newb, and not qualified to answer, but…. I have a speculation. What if it’s just a question of relativity? So it’s up to the artist, but the song won’t sound right if you don’t keep the notes relative to the key u started in? So if you have a singer with a register higher than the original song, you start in a higher key and keep everything relevant to where you start. Unless your taking creative license because your going for a one off sound or whatever, then it’s whatever u feel like doing. Does that make any sense? Did I miss the question entirely?