Rhys John Stygal is a remarkably talented young guitarist from London, UK, widely hailed as a blues sensation and often dubbed "the next Stevie Ray Vaughan" for his uncanny emulation of SRV's searing tone, phrasing, and fretboard command. At just 17 years old (born February 27, 2008), Rhys has rapidly risen in the guitar world since picking up the instrument in March 2020—less than five years ago—transforming from a beginner into a performer who shares stages with legends.

Early Life and Inspiration
Rhys grew up in Egham, near London, and his journey into music is deeply personal. Diagnosed with autism, he once struggled with severe anxiety and social isolation as a child. The guitar became his lifeline around age 13, sparked by an obsession with blues icon Stevie Ray Vaughan. His mother, Alison, credits music with "changing Rhys’s life and giving him hope," noting how it helped him rediscover his smile. Starting with simple licks, Rhys quickly progressed, using tools like the Elmore Pedal to master SRV-inspired techniques as early as age 14.

In 2021, at just 14, Rhys received support from the UK's Association of Young Musicians (AYM), which funded lessons and equipment through their Awards program. This boost propelled him forward, leading to viral videos on social media where he covers SRV classics like "Pride and Joy" with eerie accuracy.
Career Highlights and Performances
Rhys's breakthrough came through online platforms, where his Fender Stratocaster-driven blues clips garnered praise from guitar enthusiasts and pros alike. YouTube's Pedal Pawn channel, which calls him a "walking encyclopedia of Stevie knowledge," featured him in deep-dive clinics recreating SRV's iconic rig—complete with curated pedals and amps—for tone tutorials. These sessions highlight his technical prowess, from soaring solos to intricate fingerpicking.

Key milestones include:
- **2024**: Overcoming anxiety to perform onstage with blues giants Buddy Guy, Greg Guy, and Christone "Kingfish" Ingram at a UK show, a pivotal moment in his growth. He also met Jimmie Vaughan (SRV's brother) backstage, a dream come true.
- **July 2024**: Spotlighted in guitar guitar's "20 Inspirational Guitar Stories" campaign, sharing his transformative journey.
- **July 26, 2025**: Performed in Austin, Texas, at Mozart’s Coffee Roasters for the Texas First Responders Benefit, honoring flood victims and first responders with SRV-inspired sets. The event raised funds amid Texas floods, and Rhys expressed his worry for affected friends, emphasizing his commitment to giving back.
- **May 2025**: Met fellow guitarist Joanna Connor at the Dallas International Guitar Festival, where he networked and performed, further expanding his U.S. presence.
- **September 8, 2025**: Joined Buddy Guy, Greg Guy, and Kingfish Ingram onstage at the Celebrity Theatre in Arizona, showcasing his live prowess.

Online communities buzz about him; a Reddit thread on r/StevieRayVaughan speculates he'd be SRV's favorite modern guitarist, praising his style emulation while noting his youth (he's expected to develop his own voice). Guitar forums like Fractal Audio also highlight his skills, with users marveling at his rapid rise from age 14-15 clips.
As of September 2025, Rhys continues to tour and collaborate, with fans eager for original material beyond covers. His story resonates as one of resilience, talent, and the healing power of music—perfect for inspiring young (and not-so-young) guitarists worldwide. For

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