You have a misleading of not inaccurate comment in the EMC2101 tutorial, specifically...
"These examples assume the use of a standard 4-pin computer fan. 3-pin fans can be used as well, but won't be able to read the RPM of the fan due to the lack of a Tach output from the fan."
I have many fans which have NO PWM pin, but do have a TACH pin. So there ARE EXPLICITLY 3 pin fans that have PWR, GND and TACH. I should have NO ISSUE reading the RPM of a 3 pin fan with TACH PIN.
Reference...
https://learn.adafruit.com/emc2101-fan-controller-and-temperature-sensor/python-circuitpython