it takes time to get used to the motions. Imo dpad is the best when it comes to a controller.
I thought about getting a fight stick for a while but decided i dont hink its worth. Its a lot of money and you have eto totally learn a new thing. while i feel like its a good idea to get a stick if you are new to the game and really want to get a stick, but since i never used one then i dont think i need it. Like the other posters have said, its all about muscle memory
i've never been a fan of the dpad for the ps4 controller and while i played SFV for a while, i decided to try out other controllers since i was having a hard time with some motions. I eventually bought a Fighting Commander 5. The dpad is so much better and overall the controller is just better when it comes to fighting games like this. it will take a a few days to get used to since the face buttons are in slightly different positions, but once you get it down its super comfortable. I now have no thoughts of changing controllers at all
Get the commander 5 if you hold a controller and use it in the traditional sense with your thumbs. This is what I use. And they are only like $35.
The Commander 4 is made for the dual finger style when u hit the buttons with your pointer and index finger.
Here: https://www.amazon.com/Guilty-Gear-Xrd-Revelator-PlayStation-4/dp/B0188YF39W
It's $13 for the ps4. Buy this copy then go to gamestop and tell them you go the wrong copy as a present. See of they'll let you swap it out for a ps3 version.