A paddle lead includes a plurality of electrodes configured in at least three rows of three electrodes with the second, intermediate row operable to provide anode guarding. The paddle lead further includes a plurality of grooves disposed on a surface opposite the electrodes to facilitate the insertion of the paddle lead within a patient by inhibiting the veering of the paddle lead to one side or the other of the dorsal column as the paddle lead is advanced along the dorsal column midline during implantation.