Chords are the basis of all music, and are the foundation of guitar. 3 or more different notes or pitches sounding {almost} simultaneously, over a period of time, can be termed as a chord. On a guitar, a chord can be played by playing 3 or more strings.

Just like any new skill, learning guitar chords takes some time. Usually a beginner {guitarist} learns playing a guitar with major basic chords. These are the easiest chords to play, requiring the least amount of effort/fingers. The most common major chords are: C, A, G, E and D -- easy to remember as the word "CAGED". These chords usually have one or more open strings, a string that sounds, but we don't put any finger on it.

C-A-G-E-D major basic chords were shown in the following chord diagrams (courtesy: learn-guitar-online.com):

The black dots in the chord diagram(s) tells us what fret and string to place the fingers. The number inside the dot tells us which finger to use. Fingers are numbered as follows - index: 1, middle: 2, ring: 3 & little finger: 4. The "X" in the chord diagram tells us that the string should not be played. The "O" under the chord diagram indicates that it is an open string.

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