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The fourth scale degree and its chord (IV). Creates a softer, less urgent pull than the dominant.
The subdominant provides harmonic motion without the urgency of the dominant. IV–I (plagal cadence) sounds restful and hymn-like. IV is also the gateway to the dominant through the progression IV–V–I. Use the subdominant for moments of warmth and expansion.
Brahms frequently uses the subdominant at the end of movements — the "plagal cadence" in his Symphony No. 1 finale adds a hymn-like benediction.
Subdominant is one of 228 terms in the Gradus musical dictionary, where every definition is written around how composers actually use the word.
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