Week 6: Bottom row: index and middle fingers

The bottom row sits below the home row, and it holds many common letters. This week your index and middle fingers learn to reach downward. Unlike the top row, the reach goes down and inward, so the direction of the movement matters. Keep your hand steady and let the fingers do the work.

What you will learn

This week introduces five new keys:

• v: left index finger
• n: right index finger
• b: left index finger
• m: right index finger
• c: left middle finger

Your left index finger reaches down from f to v and b. Your right index finger reaches down from j to n and m. Your left middle finger reaches down from d to c.

Technique tips

• Bend the finger slightly down and inward to reach the bottom row. Keep the wrist still so the hand stays over the home row.
• Both v and b belong to the left index finger. When you switch between them, move the finger without returning to the home row each time.
• Use the right index finger for n and m. Remind yourself which finger owns which key to avoid mixing them up.
• After every press, return the finger to its home key, f or j for the index fingers and d for the middle finger.

Lessons

1. Lesson 1, learn (10–15 minutes): Watch the keyboard demo for v, n, b, m and c. Press each key with its finger, then return to the home row.
2. Lesson 2, practice (10–15 minutes): Type short words that mix the bottom row with the keys you already know. Write each letter slowly and cleanly.
3. Lesson 3, review (10–15 minutes): Repeat the keys that give you trouble, then finish with the 2-minute test.

This week’s goal

Reach 18 WPM and 92% accuracy. Finishing the lessons earns 1 star. Reaching 92% accuracy earns 2 stars. Reaching 18 WPM as well earns 3 stars. The bottom row is where many learners first lose rhythm, so take your time and check each finger before you press.