PURPOSE: To stably apply bias to an MR element even in the case of a narrowed gap and to increase reproduction output and recording density.

CONSTITUTION: In a current bias type MR head, a bias applying conductor exists between shielded magnetic bodies 5, 6 when the shortest distance between an MR element 4 and each of the magnetic bodies 5, 6 is ≤0.25μm. The distance L1 between the magnetic body 6 and the bias conductor 8 existing on the same side of the MR element 4 is made equal to or shorter than the distance L2 between the magnetic body 5 and the bias conductor 8 existing on the opposite sides of the MR element 4.