Cole Parsons, an 11-year-old guitarist from West Virginia, has become a viral sensation after a video of him playing in front of his 5th grade classmates was posted on social media.

Donning an Alice in Chains Dirt T-shirt, Parsons calmly ran through an original instrumental composition, stunning those in the room and millions who viewed the video online, shared by his mother on Instagram.

Beginning with a melodic arpeggiated intro — something that would be at home on an ’80s Metallica album — Parsons proceeds through an inspired and tonally impressive chord progression that bares some resemblance to the album on his shirt.

While Parsons has proven himself to be a shredder in other videos, playing songs by Van Halen, System of a Down, and Mötley Crüe, it’s interesting to note that this viral clip showcases a rather subdued, yet accomplished piece. A burgeoning songwriter in the making.

Parsons has since...