Abstract: A method and apparatus of detecting variations in a clearance distance between a magnetic read/write transducer and a magnetic recording disk having a clearance detection burst recorded thereon. The clearance detection burst has at least two groups of bit patterns each having different transition densities. The method may have the steps of obtaining a readback signal from the at least two groups of bit patterns, the readback signal being sensitive to variations in the clearance; detecting the amplitude of the readback signal of a first group. The amplitudes of the readback signals are detected and then compared to provide an indication of a variation in the clearance.