A head-track orienting system for use in magnetic recording tape drives is disclosed which automatically corrects for misalignment between the head assembly (26) and a recorded servo track (31) on the tape. Using a servo control loop, the system calculates head-track alignment error during operation of the tape drive and either pivots the head assembly (26) or adjusts the tape cartridge to compensate for the error. Transverse head-track positioning mechanisms are also included in the system to locate and maintain a centered position of the heads (25, 27) on the servo track.