I'm new to guitar, taking lessons now.

I'm looking to pick up a Strat and am trying to learn as much as possible. (This forum is great!)

A question about neck shapes - I'm comparing C and V necks. Comments in the forum here suggest to play them to see what feels better. But, being new, I can't tell. They both seem OK to me.

Should I go with one over the other as someone who is learning guitar? What are the advantages of either? If I can't tell the difference, does it matter which I pick?

Thank you.

I don't think there is a real advantage to either. It is all about feel and comfort.

C-shaped necks are proabably more common in the industry. Later when you add other guitars that might be something to consider.

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AmDlx HSS
62 Hot Rod
Luke w/Piezo
Carvin Belair

More common because they're better? Faster?

Neither is better. The general consensus is that thin necks are faster, but I prefer bigger necks.

The trend is C-shaped right now. A while back it was thin D-shapes. The vintage styles were big C, V and U.

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AmDlx HSS
62 Hot Rod
Luke w/Piezo
Carvin Belair

In my experience, you tend to get accustomed to any neck profile after playing for a certain time.

For example, at a recent jam I used a U-profiled neck Esquire and the first song I was struggling with it, but by the second tune, I found the positions where I could hit the sweet spots and it felt like I'd been playing one forever.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

if you are new to guitar and just started taking lessons, you've got A LOT more important details to sweat than the shape of your guitar's neck, sir. i mean that with the utmost benevolence.

learn theory

(to answer your question, i agree with what people already said - play whichever kind of neck feels right to you. if you can't tell then dont worry about it until you can)

I switch quite often between C, enourmous V and soft V. Then theres the VD shape that I shaped.
None effect my speed. Just play and get used to the one you've got. If your learning you wont notice the benefit anyways I suspect. I think all that faster stuff is a bonus if your one of the Vinni Moore/Malmsteen types. Though Yngwie doesnt do bad on a 70's strat does he? Isn't that a thick U shaped thing?

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No no and no

Try out a bunch and see what feels best. Certain neck shapes tend to cramp up my thumb.

I realize that you are just a beginner and therefore at a loss when it comes to deciding on choosing a particular guitar neck back contour. Back contour is the profile or grip shape of the neck. How much wood does it take to fill your hand? Too little equates to quicker hand fatique. Too much is even worse, you can't reach around it. I would suggest trying a few different guitars with various neck back contours, and determine which one feels more comfortable to you.

Fingerboard radius is yet another factor to take into consideration as well. The major factor in determining a certain fingerboard radius is comfort. But it most also allow you to play the style of music you prefer.

But once again, since you are a beginner, it will take you some time and experience playing in order for you to figure out which neck back contour and fingerboard radius is best for you. I had no clue either myself when I first began playing the guitar in the late 70's. So in my opinion, I wouldn't really make a big deal about it at this point. Just enjoy learning how to play first.

I agree Mike, I have many Strats with different neck profiles that I will use for gigging etc..

At first it may some to be somewhat a bit of a discomfort, but after getting used to different neck profiles you some to enjoy each individual profile for what they are.

Listen to your hands and have fun

not meaning to hi jack this thread, but alot of the japanese "reissues" call their necks oval shape.
is this equivalent to a chunky C shape?

True,but if you have short sausage fingers, some of the frets are pretty far apart.There are those necks you make do and those that really fit IMO

Welcome to the forum!

It's a personal taist. Jeff Back likes baseball bat sized necks. Clapton likes "V' shaped necks.

I myself don't really have preferance per say. I love "V" necks, but I also love the current neck that Fender is putting on the Amercan Strats.

It's all about what feels right for you.

Paris

From one newbie to another, welcome to the forum. Here's the long and short of your question. The neck shape doesn't matter to anyone but you. If it feels right in your hands that's all that matters. The reason for so many different neck contours is because people have different preferences. At this stage of your career you said you can't really tell a difference. Well, play your heart out and before you know it you're going to pick up a friends guitar and go "WTF? This doesn't feel right" Now that could be good or bad, depending on your taste. Myself, I'm a bit of a freak. I have big hands, I can catch a moving basketball with one hand, but I prefer a thinner neck contour. I also like the Clapton V shape. But, with that said, I've seen Claptons that have a different neck shape than mine so I don't really trust the hype. I can't stand really round back, thick necked guitars. They just don't feel right. But the next guy to come along probably loves 'em like that.

If I were you I wouldn't think too much about it at this point. Before you know it you'll be able to tell the difference just by looking at them,
MULLY

C-shape is just a round curved neck to grab and rock out on
V-neck is a slightly V shaped neck that is the preferred for faster playing

Thought tbh I've played both numerous times and half the time you'll not really notice the change.

Do whatever you like the Re-issue strats are just as good as any to play have fun

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A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence. ~Leopold Stokowski~