A magnetic head is disclosed in which thin strips of shielding are inlaid into the surface of the magnetic head between the read and write gaps for reducing feedthrough. The shielding extends across a substantial portion of the tape-engaging surface between the read and write gaps. Further reduction of feedthrough is achieved by inlaying additional shielding outboard of the read gaps. The shielding does not encircle individual read or write gaps, but may extend across tracks in a multitrack head. The shielding is made of a magnetically permeable material which absorbs magnetic flux which otherwise strays from the magnetic cores. Material and manufacturing costs are maintained low because the shields are small and simple in geometry.