A magnetic write head and method of manufacture thereof that has a first pole structure having a notched structure configured with a steep shoulder portion and a narrow vertical notch portion extending from the top of the steep shoulder portion. The write head also includes a second pole structure (P2) that has a very narrow width (track width) and that is self aligned with the narrow vertical notch structure of the first pole structure. The write head provides excellent magnetic properties including a very narrow track width and minimal side writing, while avoiding magnetic saturation of the poles.