The invention is directed to patterns of amplitude-based servo windows that eliminate the need for conventional track identification marks, and various servo writing devices and head configurations that facilitate creation of such servo patterns. The patterns of servo windows may also eliminate the need for conventional synchronization marks. In accordance with the invention, the patterns of servo windows, themselves, can distinguish one track from another track in one or more servo bands and inherently provide synchronization without the need for synchronization marks between servo frames. In other words, the same amplitude-based servo windows that define the centerlines of the tracks can be arranged to provide track identification information and possibly inherent synchronization information.