Reaching down to the bottom row
Course 3 completes the alphabet with the bottom row: Z X C V B N M, plus the comma, period and slash keys. Each key is a reach down and slightly to the right from the home row. The bottom row is where many self-taught typists pick up bad habits, so this course is worth taking slowly.
| Key | Finger | Reaches from |
|---|---|---|
| Z | Left pinky | A |
| X | Left ring | S |
| C | Left middle | D |
| V, B | Left index | F |
| N, M | Right index | J |
| , (comma) | Right middle | K |
| . (period) | Right ring | L |
| / (slash) | Right pinky | ; |
How Course 3 is organized
The pairs are V M, C ,, X ., Z / and finally B N. The index-finger keys come first because they are the easiest reaches. B and N come last since they sit in the middle and are the easiest to mix up. After the new keys you practice words like moving, zebra, examine and blanket, and short phrases with commas and periods.
To pass Course 3 you need 95% accuracy at 20 WPM.
Common mistakes on the bottom row
- Typing B with the right hand. B belongs to the left index finger. Because it sits near the center, many people reach for it with the right hand. This is one of the most common touch typing errors.
- Curling the fingers too much. Reaching down means stretching the finger back toward your palm. Let your wrists stay still and move only the finger.
- Using the ring finger for C. C belongs to the left middle finger. X is the ring finger's key.
- Confusing comma and M. They are next to each other. M is the right index, comma is the right middle.
- Looking down for Z and X. These pinky and ring-finger reaches are awkward. Slow down rather than look.
Tips for this level
- The bottom row is staggered to the right of the home row. Reach down and slightly right, especially for Z, X and C.
- When you type the comma and period, remember the space after them. Comma, space, then the next word should become one smooth motion.
- Pay attention to letter pairs like mb, nc, ck and ex. Say them in your head as one level.
- If you feel strain, check your wrist position. Keeping your hands floating slightly above the keys makes downward reaches easier. The typing posture guide has more.
Your speed may dip when the bottom row arrives. That's normal: you are now working with the full alphabet, and your fingers are sorting out more reaches at once.
What's next
With all three letter rows learned, you can type any lowercase word. Next is Course 4: Capital Letters & Punctuation, which adds the Shift key and the punctuation you need for real sentences. This is also a good point to take the typing test and see how your new habits hold up at full speed.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the slash in this level?
On a QWERTY keyboard the slash sits under the right pinky on the bottom row. It also holds the question mark, which you'll use with Shift in Course 4.
Is it normal to be slower after learning the bottom row?
Yes. More keys means more decisions. Speed returns once the new reaches become automatic.
Which finger types B?
The left index finger, reaching down and to the right from F.