Abstract: In an apparatus for reproducing signals recorded in a plurality of slant tracks on a recording medium by a rotary head, the signals in the tracks contain a digital information signal in a first predetermined area on the slant tracks and a tracking control signal including a tracking pilot signal and an erase signal in a second predetermined area. When the recorded tracks are reproduced by a rotary playback head having a tracing width greater than the track width, the pilot signals from the adjacent tracks will be detected and compared in level. A tracking signal for controlling the tracking alignment of the rotary playback head is generated in response to the level comparison. The level of the tracking signal is adjusted in response to the level of the tracking control signal.