Touch Typing Lessons
Lesson 3: The Bottom Row
Two rows down, one to go. The bottom row is the final frontier of the alphabet. After this, you'll know every letter. In this lesson, you'll reach downward from the home row instead of upward. These movements are easier if you keep your hands slightly lifted with your fingers curled down toward the keys.
Remember to return to home position after each keystroke. Use the bumps on F and J to guide you back. Accuracy first, speed later.
The Index Finger Keys
3.1 Index Fingers: m v
We will begin by learning to type the two keys below your right and left index fingers: m v
Reach down from j with your right index finger to type m. Reach down from f with your left index finger to type v. Return to the home row after each reach.
3.2 Index Fingers with Home Row: m v j f
Practice the bottom and home index finger keys together: m v j f
The Middle Finger Keys
3.3 Middle Fingers: , c
Magnificent! Let's move on to the bottom middle keys: , c
Reach down from k with your right middle finger to type , (the comma). Reach down from d with your left middle finger to type c. Keep the movement small and return to the home position after each keystroke.
3.4 Middle Fingers with Home Row: , c k d
Let's practice the bottom and home row middle finger keys together to make the downward reaches feel smooth and controlled.
Take a quick break if you need one. Index and middle fingers are done. Up next: ring fingers and the period key.
3.5 Sentence Practice
You have learned the comma key! Let's practice combining it with the other keys you know in some short sentences. We use semicolons to separate thoughts since you have not learned the period key yet.
The Ring Finger Keys
3.6 Ring Fingers: . x
Big moment: you're about to learn the period key. No more semicolon sentences. After this, your thoughts can actually end. Also: x. The most mysterious letter.
Reach down from l with your right ring finger to type . (the period key). Reach down from s with your left ring finger to type x. Return to the home position after each reach.
3.7 Ring Fingers with Home Row: . x l s
Let's lock in these ring finger reaches. Practice until they feel comfortable.
The Pinky Finger Keys
3.8 Pinky Fingers: / z
Excellent, you are almost done! It's time to learn the pinky keys for the bottom row: / z
Reach down from ; with your right pinky to type /, and down from a with your left pinky to type z.
3.9 Pinky Fingers with Home Row: / z ; a
Practice the bottom and home row pinky finger keys together to build accuracy and reinforce your skills.
Diagonal Reach
3.10 Diagonal Reach: n b
Ready for the final challenge? The n and b keys are the "final boss" of the bottom row! These diagonal reaches are the trickiest on this row - your index fingers need to stretch down and to the side at the same time. From j, reach down and left for n. From f, reach down and right for b. Take your time with these; they're harder than the straight reaches you've been practicing. Master these, and you've conquered the bottom row! Remember to return to home position after each key using the bumps on f and j.
3.11 Diagonal Reach with Home Row: n b j f
Now let's practice n and b with the home row index keys.
All Together
3.12 All Letters A-Z (Part 1)
That's it. You know the whole alphabet. Every letter, A through Z. Plus commas, periods, and slashes. You can type real sentences now. Properly punctuated ones.
3.13 All Letters A-Z (Part 2)
You've learned all 26 letters! Right now you could type anything... as long as it doesn't need a capital letter, question marks, quotes, or numbers. Or the name Gary. So, almost anything! But don't worry, the next lesson covers capital letters. Your sentences are about to get proper nouns. Gary is going to be thrilled.
Feel free to repeat any of the exercises in this typing lesson. When you can consistently hit 95% accuracy or above, you are ready to move on!