A magnetic head suspension for attachment to a rigid arm comprises a spring load beam element and a flexure means joined to the distal end of the load beam element for supporting a read/write head. The spring load beam element portion is formed from material generally having a first thickness. The load beam has a central region in the spring region which has a second thickness, generally thinner than the first thickness. The second thickness may be formed by the partial or complete removal of load beam material in the central region. First thickness legs bounding the central region may be formed to be of widest width at the location proximal to the rigid section of the load beam, of medium width at the location distal to the rigid section of the load beam, and of narrowest width between the two ends of each leg, thus providing a load beam of good lateral stiffness and spring rate characteristics. Other types of areas may be formed by varying partial or complete removal of load beam material in the central region. Provision of such areas of reduced thickness in the spring region reduces the load beam spring rate, increases load beam spring natural frequency and the sway mode frequency, and provides a load beam spring area with minimum stress.