A microwave assisted magnetic recording system includes a write pole that generates a write magnetic field, an element that generates a radio frequency assist magnetic field, and a recording medium that moves relative to the write pole. The recording medium is exposed to the radio frequency assist magnetic field before it is exposed to the write magnetic field. One possible element that generates the radio frequency assist magnetic field is an assist wire placed perpendicular to the write pole. Alternatively, the assist wire can be placed parallel to the write pole so that its radio frequency assist magnetic field couples with the write pole, which in turn generates its own coupled radio frequency magnetic field along with the write magnetic field.