A chord is simply several notes being played at the same time. This is illustrated by lining the notes up vertically. Optionally, the name of the chord may be placed above the chord-fingering in the diagram. The following tablature represents a C chord followed by a D chord followed by a G chord.
C D G
e|--0--2--3--|
B|--2--3--0--|
G|--0--2--0--|
D|--2--0--0--|
A|--3-----2--|
E|--------3--|
Most songs use a combination of playing single notes, playing a number of notes simultaneously (but not necessarily chords) and playing chords. All of these combinations are depicted in the same manner. Sometimes, a chord pattern is formed with the left hand but the full chord is not played, perhaps because the right hand is finger picking. It can often be helpful to place chord names above the tablature to aid the reader when this is the case.
