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