”Some of us played noisy sessions before electronic tuners were commonplace (I hesitate to say “unavailable” as they’ve been around for decades but beyond the reach of most/many musicians).”

My original comment wasn’t that it’s impossible, simply that it’s much easier to use an electronic tuner in those situations.

I began learning to play in 1961 and, by late-1962, I was playing in public in a semi-pro band, so yes, I remember those days very well indeed. I also remember a substantial number of players whose by-ear tuning skills were dubious (that’s being charitable, BTW) and a significant number of guitars being played which were noticeably out-of-tune to me, but apparently not to those playing them.

I’m fortunate in having a good ‘ear’, and I often tune by ear at home, but I believe the electronic tuner has been amongst the greatest, if not the greatest, boon in modern history to musicians who play with others, and I try not to be snobbish about using a tuner..