There are a few JQL syntax bits to get you started:
AND
--- allows you to add qualifiers to a list!= Thing
--- target one thingis in (List, Of, Things)
--- target a bunch of things (Done, Closed, Resolved) typicallynot in (List, of, Things)
--- do not include a bunch of things-1w
--- relative time. You can also use -1d for day"2015/3/15"
--- specific dates