The King of the Blues is a nationwide search for the next great undiscovered blues guitarist. For the 2011 grand finals at the , Haynes appeared as a guest performer and judge, showcasing the level of phrasing and "vocal" guitar playing that contestants strive to achieve. Musical Characteristics of "River's Gonna Rise"
For players looking to emulate this specific sound, Haynes' setup typically involves:
This performance remains a staple for blues enthusiasts because it bridges the gap between technical proficiency and raw emotional expression.
: His Gibson Les Paul '58 Reissue is his "workhorse," but he also frequently uses Gibson Firebirds and ES-335s for different tonal textures.
: He often relies on the natural overdrive of Soldano or Diaz amplifiers, using his guitar's volume knob to clean up the sound during verses and push it into "sting" during solos.