Originally Posted by: usa4cc

Herman, so if I did that, how would I change the tempo?[/quote]

No, tempo stays the same. Herman is explaining how it's sometimes easier to count 1/16th notes differently. Instead of:

1 a & e, 2 a & e, 3 a & e, 4 a & e

You could count:

1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 5 & 6 & 7 & 8

But it has the same effect. Just can be easier to count.

[quote=usa4cc]For example, how would you do it for this strumming pattern: https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/elevation-worship/o-come-to-the-altar-chords-1757938

That song uses 1/8th note triplets as the basic rhythmic subdivision which is different than 1/16th notes.

So they are saying to subdivide every beat into 3 equal units counted:

1 & uh - 2 & uh - 3 & uh - 4 & uh

Then you strum on the 1st & 3rd triplet of the 1st beat (down down).

All 3 triplets of the 2nd beat (up down up).

1st & 3rd triplet of the 3rd beat (down down).

All 3 triplets of the 4th beat (up down up).

This is good example of how there is a complete rhythmic subdivision happening (3 subdivisions on every beat), but you are only playing on some of them. You don't which ones until you see that indicated on the page.

There are some stereotypical strumming patterns that are used in various styles of music. But the rhythmic subdivision alone does not equal or indicate a certain, specific strumming pattern. The music has to specify that.

Hope that helps!