Does the subdominant prepare the dominant a general rule?

Your question is a little bit unclear, but yes: generally speaking, the subdominant chord (IV or iv) prepares the dominant (V).

1. What is the role of the subdominant?
2. What does the subdominant resolve to?
3. What's the difference between subdominant and dominant?
4. What are dominant and subdominant keys?

What is the role of the subdominant?

As with other chords which often precede the dominant, subdominant chords typically have predominant function. In Riemannian theory, it is considered to balance the dominant around the tonic (being as far below the tonic as the dominant is above). The term subdominant may also refer to a relationship of musical keys.

What does the subdominant resolve to?

The dominant and subdominant chords help define the tonic chord. The dominant chord is one fifth above the tonic and the subdominant chord is one fifth below: These two chords create a harmonic tension that resolves into the tonic chord.

What's the difference between subdominant and dominant?

The first (and last) note is called the tonic. The fifth note is called the dominant. The fourth note is called the subdominant. ... If the seventh note is a half step below the tonic, it is called a leading note (or “leading tone”).

What are dominant and subdominant keys?

The subdominant chord is the fourth chord of the key. It emphasizes motion away from the tonic chord and sets up the tension. The dominant chord is the fifth chord of the key. It brings the tension to a place that demands resolution by returning to the tonic key.