A read/write head of a magnetic tape drive is provided, where the matrix write head is provided as a part of an overall flat structure that utilizes the atmospheric pressure to hold the tape against the operational surface of the write head. The read head portion is provided to enable reading of the data immediately after it is written. The present head structure permits writing and reading of written data in both tape travel directions. The matrix write head portions are on chips and wear parts are in the upstream direction with respect to the tape travel from the write head. The wear parts provide a shape edge over which the tape moves. The read head is either optical or magnetic and is between two portions of the write head.