Abstract: This invention is directed to a tape guide that minimizes the effects of vertical position error at the reels of a reel to reel tape drive by providing gentle tape guidance forces and coarse correction of magnetic tape and reduces the amount of debris accumulation and tape wear resulting from the load between the magnetic tape and the guiding elements of the tape guide, said tape guide having two compliant flanges and an tape guiding surface, said complaint flange comprising a plurality of spring members extending individually from a base member and a pad having high wear resistance and high mechanical strength mounted at the end of each spring member.