The Melodic Minor scale and its modes are an essential element in jazz solo improvisation. It is not only the origin of the Altered Scale, but also of other important Domiant and Minor scales.
Being able to play the scale on the whole fingerboard is as important for a guitarist as being able to play in all keys for other instruments.
To help you learn this, the book provides a list of all 12 melodic minor scales and their corresponding modes in all positions, in a way that makes the most sense for guitar.
Just play the scales up and down and use it as a warm up and technique exercise in your regular practice routine. Soon your understanding of the logic of the fretboard will expand, and you will have laid an important foundation for being a good jazz improviser.