Creating a Character Rig: Appendix C - Skinning
Channel: Maya Learning Channel
Date: 2016-11-23

(Note: Due to the custom nature of this rig, it's really ideal for film / tv / animation.  For a rig more optimized for video games, go here instead: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8hZ6hQCGHMUIOilrww1u-mo0sTwYs2W5) Files used: http://areadownloads.autodesk.com/wdm/maya/htm_chr_character_rigging_appendixC.zip

CORRECTION: The video shows me skinning the head to the neck_end_result_JNT.  This is actually incorrect - you actually want to bind it to the neck_end_bind_JNT.  If you don't see this joint in the list of skin influences, you can add it by Shift + selecting the skin and the neck_end_bind_JNT, then going to Skin - Edit Influences - Add Influence command.  Make sure to give this joint FULL (i.e. white) influence over the entire head, and to zero out (i.e. black) any other influence form the remaining neck joints.

This tutorial shows you how to smooth skin a mesh to your rig.