A multi reader head has a plurality of readers that are laminated via a gap layer(s), and each of the readers has a structure in which a current-perpendicular-to-plane (CPP) type of magneto-resistive effect element, where a current flows along the lamination direction, is interposed between a pair of shields that function as an electrode, respectively, from both sides in the lamination direction. The shields that are opposed from each other via the gap layer of the readers that are adjacent in the lamination direction by a distance that is not constant, but include a portion with a greater distance between the shields and another portion with a smaller distance between the shields are included. The portion with a greater distance between the shields is situated at a position away from the center on an air bearing surface opposing to a recording medium in the magneto-resistive effect element.