I've remapped my caps lock key to act as ctrl and it makes using these shortcuts much easier.

Enter Karabiner-Elements, to bind right Alt to Control etc. It's one of the first pieces of software I install on a new Mac.

The ergonomics are terrible, aren't they? I suppose in your case I'd probably use my pinky and suffer.

My Air has a JIS keyboard, so the control key is where your caps lock is. Most of my keyboards are configured this way (either physically or in software); on those that aren't, I use my opposing palm to press ctrl. I can't imagine using a Mac with flat keys and no right control =(

I insist on keeping an old “full size” wired Mac keyboard around exactly to have a right-ctrl. I worry I’m slightly OCD about it.

I use karabiner elements to remap caps to ctrl for most chords, also it will act as escape if hit alone and it will act as the arrow keys when used with hjkl like in vim. and finally it will act as caps lock if you press it with right shift. pretty awesome setup.

I edited my post. You absolutely must rebind caps to control. One of the best changes I ever made, and I regret that I didn't add that to my post after so many people have seen it. Thanks for reminding me

Yeah it's annoying.

Because I make lots of use of control, I usually map Right Command to Right Control, so I can easily thumb control, command or option at practically any time.

You remap the caps lock key to control (System Preferences, Keyboard, Modifier Keys).