It is well known that in high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS), a fine matrix tends to give a high recovery while a coarse matrix gives a high concentrate grade. A combinative rod matrix consisting of fine and coarse rod elements is investigated to improve pulsating HGMS performance in concentrating a fine hematite, using Slice Matrix Analysis (SMA) method and theoretical analysis. It was found that this rod matrix achieves a higher selective capture to magnetic particles compared with fine and coarse single diameter rod matrices. It provides a potential approach in improving pulsating HGMS performance in concentrating fine weakly magnetic ores.