I don't see how (or why) folks here want to separate melody and harmony in jazz. So what if a horn player can't play chords? You bet they know 'em!
Also, if you're going to be a jazz guitar player, keep in mind, much of your time will be spent comping...which isn't just "playing the chords to a tune." It's another improvised part, often in which the top note becomes a countermelody of sorts...
A jazz guitar player has to know both. Plain and simple.
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