Abstract: A tape guide for operation in contact with the back side of magnetic tape exhibits an increase in the coefficient of friction between the tape guide and the tape with increased wear of the guide surface associated with repeated passes of tape in sliding engagement over the tape contacting surface of the guide. The resulting increased frictional drag on magnetic tape with wear of the tape guide improves overall performance by reducing instantaneous speed variations (ISV) in the tape attributable to translational vibrations in the tape over the life of the tape and tape guide. The tape contacting surface of the tape guide includes a metal alloy including copper zinc, nickel and lead that may be integrally incorporated into the tape guide or plated thereon at least in the tape contacting region thereof.