Panning can be a useful tool, to a point.

For me, channel strip EQ is the real scalpel (continuing with rharv's surgical metaphor)for this job

Using eq on each Channel strip I try to carve out little pockets in the frequency spectrum that each instrument can "own".
I will boost the eq curve for the particular instrument in its sweet spot range.
I don't exclude an instrument from other frequencies, I just try to find a solid voice for an instrument focused within a limited frequency range. I can visually inspect all separations by comparing the eq curves simultaneously on the channel strips.
Its not brick-walled, but you can see it. Adjust as necessary. Lather, Rinse, repeat.

This approach really seems to get some separation on the band.
It got rid of a lot of mud in my mixes, especially at the lower end.

I may add a little panning. especially where I have two chording instruments, usually no more than 20-25 points left or right.
I also use volume automation to deal with oddball notes.

I'm far from an expert at doing this. There may be better ways
For my work (instrumental backing tracks) its been an improvement

biab2023(Mac)
Logic Pro X