A high-density recording medium has data tracks and guide tracks formed on both sides of each of the data tracks. Intervals between the guide tracks are set in such a manner that the outer edges of two adjacent guide tracks correspond in position to two tracking laser beam spots on the recording medium. To allow use of either of the high-density recording medium, and a conventional recording medium on which intervals between guide tracks are set in such a manner that the inner edges of two adjacent guide tracks correspond in position to two tracking laser beam spots, control is performed such that polarity of a tracking control servo is selectively inverted depending upon which of the high-density and conventional recording medium is used.