In a tape having separate servo bands of patterns positioned laterally across the tape, the patterns of a separate servo band have at least one differentiating characteristic with respect to patterns of another of the separate servo bands. The differentiating characteristic allows identification of the separate servo bands. For example, the patterns of a separate servo band have differing azimuthal orientations of detectable transitions with respect to another servo band, such as being laterally inverted. In another, variations in the width of gaps of patterns are made with respect to another servo band. In another, variations are made in the number of the detectable transitions of patterns with respect to the patterns of another servo band.