John Mayer says he acted like a "jerk" in his past relationships.

The 35-year-old singer has dated a string of Hollywood beauties including Jessica Simpson, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Aniston.

Speaking in a forthcoming interview with CBS Sunday Morning, the star confesses he does not look at his past behaviour with much pride.

"I was just a jerk," Mayer tells host Anthony Mason, referring to interviews where he gave away revealing information about his exes, including once referring to Simpson as "sexual napalm."

And Swift even once gave him a taste of his own medicine, as he is reportedly the subject of her song Dear John.

The star is now dating Katy Perry and the couple recently attended President Obama's Inauguration together.

He says he has changed since his more outspoken days.

Mayer is no longer obsessed with being popular.

"It's very liberating when you finally realise it's impossible to make everyone like you," he admits.  

"I wanted everybody to like me. I thought I was one shuck and jive away in every direction."

Mayer has been forced to take a break from singing and touring after spending much of the past year recovering from vocal chord surgery.

- Cover Media