greg and all -

If the reference is to a time signature as is being assumed, it would be pretty difficult. There's no easy symbol for a 12th note.

As indicated, I'd guess that the fiddler was referring to the "meter" or phrasing of the piece, - i.e. to a 3-count phrase (possibly in 9/8 time) alternating with a 4-count phrase (possibly in 12/8) - i.e. measures in alternating 9/8 and 12/8 - not to a "time signature."

In other words, he was referring to the phrasing or pattern of the piece, not to the beat.

Not everyone "thinks" in notation terms. By telling you there are 7 "syllables" in each line of his "tune poem," he was probably giving you the best possible hint about how to follow what he was playing.

On the other hand, he may have just been trying to give a quick "brush-off" to the guy who was having trouble following(?).

The only way to be sure, of course, is to get back with the fiddler and "discuss" an explanation - to assure that you're both speaking the same language.

John