In this context, adequate means to possess a degree of mastery of the instrument that allows the guitarist to achieve their immediate goals, but only just.

For me, adequate means being able to play all of the songs in the setlist without making any mistakes, but never feeling completely in control or at ease.

This is (I’d like to think) my default setting. I can get through the set without any calamitous cock-ups, but not without being on edge, particularly at the beginning of the show.

Of course, adequacy is relative. I’m sure Guthrie Govan has moments when he feels only adequate; the circumstances are difficult to imagine – some monstrous song where four hands are necessary to play it successfully.