The jazz guitar, for example, can be a tough style to learn because it has a very distinctive sound to it. Whereas rock guitar and other styles utilize reverb and distortion to alter the sound of the instrument, jazz guitar is known for its smooth sound - you must be able to hear the strings, not gain or distortion. Improvisation is another key element in jazz guitar and this can be a difficult skill to master for those who strive to learn to play the guitar. In order to be able to improvise well you must have a firm foundation in scales, chords, and keys so that you can react quickly if the band leader calls out a different key. You should also learn different types of chords and scales to expand your playing ability. Chords like sustained chords and augmented fifths are simply regular chords with a note or two added and practicing scales beyond the regular pentatonic and chromatic scales will help to increase your versatility. By expounding upon the basics of chords and scales and practicing improvisation, you can be on your way to success as a jazz guitarist.