A method for reproducing information recorded on a magnetic recording medium comprising, in the following order, a non-magnetic flexible support, a non-magnetic lower layer containing non-magnetic powder and a binder, and a magnetic layer containing ferromagnetic powder, a binder and an abrasive, the magnetic layer having an average thickness of 30 to 150 nm, a density of projections having a height of 10 nm or more of 2,000 to 10,000 per 100 .mu.m.sup.2 as measured by atomic force microscopy, and a scratch depth of 50 to 200 nm, the method comprising reading the magnetic recording medium with a magnetoresistive head having a magnetoresistive element, the magnetoresistive element being recessed 20 nm or less from a plane of contact with the magnetic recording medium.